Today’s APAC news 31 jul 2025

#Headline & SummaryDetail Link
1Asian markets steady as investors brace for tariff deadline and Fed — APAC equities were mixed as markets await U.S.–China trade negotiations and the Fed’s policy decision. Gains in Taiwan and Australia were offset by falls in Tokyo and Hong Kong amid tariff uncertainty.https://www.reuters.com/world/china/global-markets-wrapup-1-2025-07-30/
2Flurry of U.S.–Asia trade deals offers relief—some wait — The U.S. has struck tariff agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, reducing proposed rates; however, several countries, including South Korea and Thailand, still face looming escalation ahead of an August 1 deadline.https://apnews.com/article/55bcd9a06126686d8d2ed4897398719e
3Japan & South Korea scramble as Trump threatens tariffs — Tokyo and Seoul responded sharply to Trump’s threats of steep new tariffs unless trade deals are sealed by August 1, engaging in urgent negotiations amid political tension.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/08/trump-tariffs-japan-south-korea-asia/
4Barclays reshuffles APAC investment banking leadership — Barclays appointed new heads for key APAC roles (capital markets, M&A, Australia, India) as part of a £2 billion global cost-cutting plan and focus on regional growth.https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/barclays-reshuffles-apac-investment-banking-leadership-boost-regional-presence-2025-07-03/
5India slips to 4th in APAC investor rankings; semiconductor wave draws fund managers — According to a BofA survey, India has dropped from its top spot as investors pivot toward semiconductor-driven momentum across the region.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indias-stock-market-slips-to-fourth-in-apac-investor-rankings-fund-managers-pivot-to-semiconductor-wave-report/articleshow/122781022.cms
6U.S. business delegation heads to China amid trade threat deadline — Led by FedEx CEO, U.S.–China Business Council delegates meet Chinese officials in hopes of reviving trade talks ahead of looming tariff escalation planned for mid‑August.https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-business-delegation-visit-china-scmp-says-2025-07-27/
7Global economies show resilience despite tariff fears—Asia mixed — Recent PMI surveys show resilience globally, while Asia sees varied results: Japan and Australia grew despite soft export orders, and Indian overseas demand supports expansion.https://www.wsj.com/economy/global/global-economies-show-resilience-despite-tariff-fears-surveys-show-51a74a83
8Ad fatigue hits hard—2 in 3 consumers in Southeast Asia tune out ads — A new report shows that 60–70% of Southeast Asian consumers, especially Gen Z, are experiencing ad fatigue, prompting marketers to adopt more relevant omnichannel strategies.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250730174210/en/Ad-Fatigue-Hits-Hard-in-Southeast-Asia-2-in-3-Consumers-Tune-Out-Repetitive-Ads
9InfoComm Asia 2025 sees surge in international buyers — Bangkok’s professional AV expo attracted nearly 8,000 attendees from 53 countries, with over 40% international visitors and 250+ product launches—undercoring regional tech innovation.https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/infocomm-asia-2025-surpasses-last-years-international-buyers-enforcing-the-growth-of-high-quality-projects-in-asia-pacific-302515783.html
10ADB lowers Asia-Pacific growth forecast to 4.7% for 2025 — The Asian Development Bank trimmed its growth projection for developing Asia to 4.7% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026, citing trade uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and China’s property slowdown.https://www.adb.org/news/adb-lowers-economic-growth-forecast-asia-and-pacific