Indonesia’s US$3.55 Billion Trade Surplus Masks Faster Import Growth
Indonesia’s August surplus remained strong, but a 19.09% annual rise in imports invites closer scrutiny of the external balance.
National Affairs
Latest Posts
Seoul’s Kim Jong Un Assessment Refocuses Succession Risk, Not a Health Crisis
South Korea’s intelligence assessment warrants monitoring of succession risk, but it does not establish an imminent North Korean leadership change.
Japan’s Planned Market-Response Pledge Faces Bond-Market Test
A reported draft speech signals Japan’s sensitivity to market volatility while leaving investors to await fiscal figures and the final text.
Thai Airways Pauses Suvarnabhumi Cargo Intake as Flooding Disrupts Staff
Flood-related staffing shortages have forced a temporary cargo-intake pause at Thai Airways’ Suvarnabhumi warehouse.
China’s Private Services PMI Reaches Three-Month High as Orders Improve
China’s private services PMI rose to 51.6 in September as orders improved, though cost pressure and weaker official new orders temper the signal.
IMF Sees Cambodia Growth Slowing to 3% as Energy and Credit Risks Build
The IMF sees Cambodia’s growth slowing to 3.0% in 2026 as energy costs, weak tourism and credit strains compound property-sector pressure.
China’s Factory PMI Returns to Growth, but Small Firms Remain Under Pressure
China’s official manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.1 in September, but softer orders and sub-50 readings for smaller companies signal an uneven recovery.
Hong Kong’s Social-Media Service Ads Test Illegal-Work Enforcement Before Golden Week
New social-media listings for cross-border tourist services put Hong Kong’s work-permit enforcement and platform compliance under scrutiny.
Thailand Approves 4.1 Billion Baht Flood Relief as Recovery Costs Rise
Thailand has approved 4.1 billion baht in emergency flood aid; payment delivery and infrastructure recovery now determine the impact.
Malaysia Begins Myanmar Returns as Safeguards Face Close Scrutiny
Malaysia’s first return phase involves 1,476 Myanmar nationals within a wider 5,000-person plan, putting verification and voluntary-consent safeguards in focus.