On 3 April 2025, the APO Secretariat hosted an insightful knowledge-sharing townhall session on “Impact of Trump 2.0 on Asian Production Networks,” featuring Dr. Fukunari Kimura, Professor Emeritus and Senior Professor, Keio University, and President of the Institute of Developing Economies, JETRO.

Dr. Kimura, a leading economist in international trade, started his presentation by explaining the current situation of the Trump 2.0 administration contrasted with the previous Trump US presidency, including the transition of three elements in supply chain-related policies: 1) offensive measures; 2) defensive measures; and 3) protectionism and industrial policy.

He highlighted the importance of defending the rule-based trading regime while acknowledging that some countries had already started introducing policies that violate current trade norms. He suggested that third countries including Japan and other Asian economies could take advantage of market mechanisms to minimize negative effects of distorted policies and pointed out the need to show more presence in the global economy to back up the lost credibility of the USA to maintain a good balance between the East and West.

The session attracted APO Secretariat staff because of its timeliness as the global economy and politics are heavily impacted by the newly announced policies of the second Trump administration. An engaging Q&A session followed, reflecting growing interest in the rapidly changing global economy and its impact on Japan and other Asian economies.

The APO Secretariat remains committed to knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives and to equipping its staff with advanced expertise to support member economies in achieving sustainability and productivity goals.

Dr. Fukunari Kimura, Professor Emeritus and Senior Professor, Keio University, and President, Institute of Developing Economies, JETRO, delivering his presentation.