Welcome to Your Week in Asia.
Regional and world trade has been roiled over the past few months by U.S. President Donald Trump’s sudden shifts on levies, and this week will see a much-anticipated moment — the end of the pause on Washington’s “reciprocal” tariffs.
Past and potential conflicts also loom over the agenda this week, with Japanese Emperor Naruhito heading to Mongolia as the world continues to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II, while Taiwan will hold its annual exercises simulating an attack by China.
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SUNDAY
Japanese emperor’s Mongolia trip
While making a visit to Mongolia that runs through next Sunday, Naruhito is set to honor thousands of Japanese held prisoner during World War II. Ahead of the trip, the emperor said he wished “to pay tribute to and ponder over the hardship of those who unwillingly lost their lives far away from their homeland.”
MONDAY
Vietnam trade data
Vietnam publishes trade data for June, which will include information on the origin and type of products. The numbers are expected to shed light on the actions of exporters in response to U.S. tariffs prior to Hanoi and Washington agreeing new levies in a deal last Wednesday.
TUESDAY
Monetary policy: Australia
Earnings: Samsung Electronics
WEDNESDAY
U.S. tariff pause due to end
Trump’s 90-day pause of his “reciprocal” tariffs is due to expire, turning up the heat on trading partners in Asia and elsewhere to strike deals to avert the steepest levies. Trump has said he will be sending out letters declaring the tariffs his administration intends to charge other countries.
ASEAN foreign ministers meeting
Kuala Lumpur will host the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on Wednesday along with the two-day East Asia Summit from Thursday and the ASEAN Regional Forum on Friday, with key figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and European Union High Representative Vice President Kaja Kallas expected to attend. The high-stakes diplomacy will focus on U.S. tariffs, Middle East tensions and the U.S.-China trade war.
Taiwan live-fire exercises
Taiwan starts its annual Han Kuang exercises, simulating a possible attack by China. The drills are due to last for 10 days and will involve mobilizing thousands of reservists. Officials have said the exercises will also cover “gray zone” actions by China, short of outright war. This year’s edition comes amid particularly high tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
OECD employment outlook
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development will publish its latest data on the employment situation in member countries. The outlook will also include an analysis of declining fertility — a particular concern in Asian nations — and the impact of increasing longevity on employment and economic growth.
Monetary policy: Malaysia
Data: China consumer price index
IPO: PMCK
THURSDAY
Mahathir’s 100th birthday
Mahathir Mohamad, one of the world’s oldest living former heads of government, turns 100. Born in 1925, he entered politics in the 1940s and twice served as Malaysia’s prime minister, first for a 22-year term from 1981 and later for 22 months from 2018.
Earnings: Seven & i, Fast Retailing, Tata Consultancy Services
FRIDAY
IPO: A1 AK Koh Group
