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Vietnam Seeks US Tariff Delay as Economic Growth Slows in First Quarter

Vietnamese garment factory workers stitch apparel at a factory in Ho Chi Minh City on 3 April, after US President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on trading partners. Vietnam's economy grew at a slightly slower pace in the first quarter, government figures showed on 6 April, as the Southeast Asian country braces for the impact of colossal tariffs imposed by Washington. (Photo by Huu Kha / AFP)

By Lam NGUYEN/AFP – Vietnam has asked for a last-minute delay to colossal tariffs imposed by Washington as government figures showed on 6 April that its economy grew at a slightly slower pace in the first quarter.

The Southeast Asian manufacturing powerhouse counted the United States as its biggest export market in the first three months of the year but its key customer has now hit it with a thumping 46 percent tariff.

The move is part of a furious new global trade blitz announced Wednesday by US President Donald Trump that has sent markets around the world into a tailspin.

However, top leader To Lam has asked Trump for a delay of at least 45 days to the new 46 percent tariff, according to a copy of a formal letter seen by AFP.

In the letter, Lam said he had appointed Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc to serve as the primary contact with the US side on the issue, “with the aim of reaching an agreement as soon as possible”.

He also said he hoped to meet Trump in Washington at the end of May to finalise the matter.

Trump said on Friday he had had “a very productive” call with Lam, who he said wanted to make a deal on tariffs.

Gross domestic product in Vietnam during the first quarter grew 6.93 percent year-on-year, down slightly from the 7.55 expansion in the final quarter of last year, Vietnam’s General Statistics Office said on 6 April.

Despite the challenge presented by US levies, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said a target of “at least eight percent” growth this year remains unchanged, the government’s official news portal said.

To achieve its goal, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has determined that the economy will need to grow between 8.2 and 8.4 percent in the remaining quarters, the government said.

Significant Damage

The US tariffs threaten to “significantly damage” Vietnam’s current growth model, which relies heavily on exports to the United States, said Sayaka Shiba, senior country risk analyst at research firm BMI.

She said that, in the worst-case scenario, Vietnam could suffer a three-percent hit to GDP this year.

Trump has claimed the Communist country charges the United States a 90 percent tariff, a figure based on Vietnam’s trade surplus with the United States, worth USD 123.5 billion last year.

Experts believe the new tariffs will hit hardest in sectors such as seafood, garments, footwear, wood, electronics and smartphones.

Major US corporations with manufacturing operations in Vietnam, including Nike and Adidas, are likely to see orders decrease and reductions in revenue, potentially leading to factory downsizing and job losses, Pham Van Dai, a lecturer in economics at Fulbright University Vietnam, told AFP.

Business groups have also called on the Trump administration to delay the imposition of reciprocal tariffs.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that they sent a joint letter on 5 April to the US commerce secretary expressing “deep concern” over the policy and urging a delay.

Vietnam’s exports rose 10.6 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, official data showed, increasing significantly from 7.9 percent growth in the final quarter of 2024.

Industrial production was up 7.8 percent year-on-year, slowing from an 11.5 percent expansion in the previous quarter.

Experts believe investors are still holding a “wait and see” mentality amid the uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariffs.

“Now is the worst time for investors to make long-term decisions,” said Dai, adding that they are waiting for “clearer policies from the United States and (other) countries’ responses”.


© Agence France-Presse

New Study Reveals Nearly 75% of Performance Marketers Are Experiencing Diminishing Returns on Social Media Ad Spend; Over 50% Expand Into Additional Channels Beyond Social

HONG KONG, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taboola, a global leader in delivering performance at scale for advertisers,  today announced a new report based on a survey conducted with Qualtrics, a leading company in experience management working with nearly 20,000 organizations worldwide.

Performance advertising on social media is rapidly growing—industry forecasts predict that social media ad spend will reach $239 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $273 billion in 2026. However, new research found that despite social media’s dominance in performance advertising, nearly 75% of performance marketers have noticed diminishing returns from their social media ad investments.

Additional key insights from The Pulse of Performance Advertising: Diminishing Returns include:

  • Most of these performance marketers indicated that diminishing returns impact over 30% of their spend.
  • Marketers focused on performance face diminishing returns on social media due to audience saturation, rising costs, and ad fatigue.
  • Over 80% of performance marketers use multiple tactics to combat diminishing returns, with more than half expanding into additional digital channels beyond social media ads.

“While social media accounts for a large portion of performance advertising budgets, many marketers have hit a barrier in the form of diminishing returns,” said Adam Singolda, CEO of Taboola. “More spend just isn’t translating into better results. The findings in this report point to difficulty in sustaining performance over time, with marketers seeking solutions that can help them overcome that barrier.”

The Pulse of Performance Advertising: Diminishing Returns is based on a survey of more than 300 advertisers, from brands and agencies in the US. 

About Taboola  

Taboola empowers businesses to grow through performance advertising technology that goes beyond search and social and delivers measurable outcomes at scale.

Taboola works with thousands of businesses who advertise directly on Realize, Taboola’s powerful ad platform, reaching approximately 600M daily active users across some of the best publishers in the world. Publishers like NBC News, Yahoo, and OEMs such as Samsung, Xiaomi and others use Taboola’s technology to grow audience and revenue, enabling Realize to offer unique data, specialized algorithms, and unmatched scale.

Singapore Marks 60 Years of Design and Innovation at Milan Design Week with the Opening of Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION

14 of Singapore’s most forward-looking designers, design studios, and rising talents address contemporary societal needs in a three-part showcase that captures the city-state’s vision for innovative design

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, presented by DesignSingapore Council has officially opened at Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, located in the historical Cinque Vie district.

A total of 14 Singaporean designers and design studios across different fields are presenting their latest works at Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION during Milan Design Week 2025. Photo by Mark Cocksedge.
A total of 14 Singaporean designers and design studios across different fields are presenting their latest works at Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION during Milan Design Week 2025. Photo by Mark Cocksedge.

With 2025 marking 60 years of Singapore’s independence, the third instalment of the series – launched in 2023 – explores the country’s evolution through the lens of design. With a unique approach that unifies forward-thinking design with innovation and creativity, Singapore has transformed into a successful global economy that is famed for being one of the most seamlessly-designed city-states in the world.

Curated by Tony Chambers, Maria Cristina Didero and Singaporean co-curator Hunn Wai of Lanzavecchia + Wai, Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION is a three-part showcase that brings together 14 of Singapore’s most forward-looking designers, from established names to rising talents, who are pushing the boundaries of design to enhance the world we live in and how we live in it.

Visitors will be taken on a journey through the past, present, and future of Singapore design, beginning with Little Island of Brave Ideas. Tracing design’s crucial role in nation-building over the past six decades, the first part of the showcase spotlights key milestones that demonstrate how strategic foresight and meticulous execution have made Singapore a global success story by design. This includes the country’s unique public housing system and robust public transport system, to beers brewed from Singapore’s reclaimed water and colour-coded plates in hawker centres. 

The third iteration of the Future Impact series stands as the centrepiece, spotlighting eight  works from designers Claudia Poh (Werable), Ng Sze Kiat (Bewilder), Olivia Lee, Randy Yeo (Practice Theory), Sacha Leong (Nice Projects), Wei Xiang, as well as design studio Supermama and a collective formed by FARM, Vouse and Changi General Hospital. The works will reflect how Singapore’s leading contemporary designers are creating design-driven solutions to tackle urgent global challenges, while reducing environmental impact and elevating everyday lives.

This includes a woven screen designed by Sacha Leong (Nice Projects) in response to overcrowding in cities, to a versatile bag that seamlessly adapts to its users by Claudia Poh (Werable). Design collective FARM, Vouse and Changi General Hospital will present their work on a dynamic digital twin of the hospital’s Emergency Department to aid holistic decision-making for enhanced patient care.

The influence of Singapore’s rich cultural heritage will also be showcased in new works by Supermama, which modernises the traditional Japanese art form of Kintsugi with 3D-printed resin and algorithmic growth patterns, and Olivia Lee, who reimagines the steel solar cooker, commonplace in Southeast Asia, to spark a broader reflection of the Sun’s role as a futuristic source of energy.

Exploring sustainable methods and materials is Ng Sze Kiat (Bewilder), who presents a new line of Fungariums developed using stainless steel, and the Knots Stool by Wei Xiang that transforms old blankets or curtains into functional furniture with simple knots. Finally, Randy Yeo (Practice Theory) considers Singapore’s design identity in the context of its nation-building history and unique blend of culture, manifested in a form of sculptural objects using paper offcuts.

“It is with great pride that we bring the third edition of Future Impact to Milan Design Week, to shine a light on the essence of Singapore’s unique design DNA with the world. Through each of the eight designers’ works, we hope visitors will recognise the important role design plays in shaping the world,” said Tony Chambers and Maria Cristina Didero, co-curators for Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION.  

Looking to the future, the final segment of the three-part showcase, Virtuoso Visionaires demonstrates Singapore’s role as a global hub for design, empowering the next generation of designers to think creatively about contemporary challenges and cultural shifts. Works by six emerging design talents will interrogate topics such as leveraging artificial intelligence to redefine Singapore’s multicultural identity, an exploration of Singlish (Singaporean Colloquial English), examining post-consumer waste and circular design practices, as well as sustainable designs for living spaces.

“I am deeply honoured to be proudly showcasing the design excellence of our Lion City to the world at Milan Design Week. Singapore is well-known for thriving through ingenuity and resourcefulness and now, the future lies with the new generation of globally attuned, self-aware innovators who can continue this legacy,” said Hunn Wai, co-curator for Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION.

Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION is currently on display within the cathedral setting of Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, located within the Cinque Vie (5vie) district, one of the most vibrant areas for culture and design in central Milan, a short walk from the Duomo. The showcase runs from 8 to 13 April 2025.

Alongside the exhibitions, DesignSingapore Council is hosting a series of events throughout the week. These will include daily designer-led activities that are open to the public such as decoding Singlish nuances and fungarium workshops, Live with Monocle, an exclusive live broadcast show with hourly interviews featuring designers and curators as well as evening cocktails, followed by a Singapore-themed Friday Late party to cap off the week.

“This special edition of the Future Impact series spotlights Singapore’s unique design journey as our nation turns 60. Truly a Nation by Design, Singapore has been transformed by a remarkable attitude and approach to design that is purpose-driven, with people at its centre. Through Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, visitors will gain insight into Singapore as a global design hub that pioneers solutions for pressing challenges,” said Dawn Lim, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council

*ENDS*

For full list of designers and their works, refer to Annex A and B here.
For images and more information, refer to the press kit here.

About DesignSingapore Council

The DesignSingapore Council’s (Dsg’s) vision is for Singapore to be an innovation-driven economy and a loveable city by design. As the national agency that promotes design, our mission is to develop the design sector, help Singapore use design for innovation and growth, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. Dsg is a subsidiary of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

designsingapore.org. 

Tag along with Jason at CISCE: “I have a meeting with robots!”

BEIJING, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from China.org.cn.


Apple CEO Tim Cook was recently in China, where he made a special visit to the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing. Apple and its partners are represented in the Digital Technology section. An American boy, Jason, visits the Expo and expresses his excitement about discovering the supply chain behind technological innovations like Apple’s.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was recently in China, where he made a special visit to the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing. Apple and its partners are represented in the Digital Technology section. An American boy, Jason, visits the Expo and expresses his excitement about discovering the supply chain behind technological innovations like Apple’s.

He first visits Apple’s booth, where he learns that more than 80% of Apple’s suppliers are based in China. He observes an intelligent assembly inspection system developed by LY iTECH, which uses robotic arms to assemble products in mid-air, creating a visual spectacle.

Moving on to the Lenovo booth, Jason meets a humanoid robot named CASBOT, which can engage in voice interactions and perform simple household tasks. CASBOT demonstrates its capabilities by hanging up Jason’s hoodie and offering him a drink. Amazed by CASBOT’s capabilities, Jason is shown a video of Lenovo’s actual factory, where robots are already working on the production line. He interacts with a bipedal robot named Tita and is impressed by its ability to navigate obstacles and perform various movements.

Jason learns from the Lenovo staff that their focus is on building a supply chain ecosystem by exploring high-growth, high-potential industrial opportunities. They provide companies with technical support and capital investment to enhance their smart manufacturing capabilities.

At the BrainCo booth, Jason explores intelligent, dexterous bionic hands that can mimic the wearer’s intended movements. He witnesses a man writing calligraphy with these robotic hands and is amazed at their capabilities. Jason interviews the man, Ni, who lost both arms at a young age. Ni shares his experience of controlling the bionic hands and how they have helped him regain the ability to perform various tasks. Jason is deeply moved.

Finally, Jason concludes the visit by emphasizing that the experiences he has shared are just a small part of the section and that there are many exciting gadgets and technologies to explore at CISCE. He used a rehab robot for training and looks forward to attending the next Supply Chain Expo.

http://www.china.org.cn/business/2024-12/02/content_117579997.htm 

Cristiano Ronaldo Launches the First-Ever CR7® LIFE Official Flagship Store at Times Square, Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – Cristiano Ronaldo is set to redefine the shopping experience with the grand opening of the first-ever CR7® LIFE Official Flagship Store at Times Square in Hong Kong celebrating his museum and legacy. Set to open its doors on June on the 7th floor of the iconic shopping hub, the first worldwide CR7® LIFE Store promises to be an innovative, interactive and immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional shopping.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

This flagship store marks a major milestone in Cristiano Ronaldo’s mission to connect with his global fanbase on a deeper level, adding to the growing presence of his brand in Asia. Hong Kong serves as the perfect starting point for this journey, with the store launching alongside the upcoming CR7® LIFE Museum, an exciting new space dedicated to celebrating Ronaldo’s career, accomplishments, and continued influence on sports culture worldwide.

A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

The CR7® LIFE Official Flagship Store is meticulously crafted to inspire and engage. Visitors are invited to explore a futuristic environment where digital elements and high-tech features bring Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey and legacy to life. This innovative shopping experience reflects Ronaldo’s dedication to pushing boundaries and his relentless pursuit of excellence in both sport and lifestyle.

The store showcases a curated selection of premium products personally chosen and signed by Cristiano Ronaldo, the global football icon and lifestyle influencer. The collection spans a wide range of items designed to elevate everyday life, including apparel, homeware, and fragrances. Each item is designed to inspire and elevate, embodying the spirit of CR7® LIFE.

A TASTE OF PORTUGAL IN THE HEART OF HONG KONG

As a special highlight, the store will also feature a Portuguese coffee shop, celebrating the rich flavours and traditions of his country, Portugal. More than just a place to grab a coffee, this café will be a carefully curated space, designed to bring the essence of Portugal to the heart of Hong Kong. Customers will indulge in the world-famous Portuguese freshly baked Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts), premium Portuguese coffee, artisanal pastries, and a selection of traditional delicacies. Inspired by the cafés of Portugal, the space will create an inviting atmosphere where guests can relax while soaking in the essence of the CR7® lifestyle.

A GLOBAL ICON MEETS HONG KONG

Strategically located in one of Asia’s most dynamic shopping districts, the CR7® LIFE Official Store is set to become a flagship destination for fans, lifestyle enthusiasts, and tourists alike. Whether visitors come for the exclusive merchandise, the innovative shopping experience, or the authentic Portuguese café, this store promises to be a landmark in retail entertainment, pushing the boundaries of how global brands engage with their audiences.

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the grand opening in June 2025.

Store Location:
CR7® LIFE Official Store, Times Square
7th Floor, Times Square, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Website: https://cristianoronaldo.com/#cr7

Hashtag: #CR7

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a global icon whose influence extends far beyond the football field. Known not only for his unparalleled skills and record-breaking achievements in the sport but also for his leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and impactful philanthropic efforts, Ronaldo embodies excellence and inspires millions worldwide.

About CR7® LIFE

Founded by Cristiano Ronaldo, CR7® LIFE is a groundbreaking lifestyle brand designed to blend elite athleticism with modern style. With a focus on premium products, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, CR7® LIFE offers everything from athletic wear and fashionable apparel to premium fragrances and homeware collections — all while staying true to the values of dedication, personal growth, and inspiration that Ronaldo embodies.

About Times Square

Located in Causeway Bay, the vibrant heart of Hong Kong, Times Square is a premier destination loved by tourists and locals. Featuring over 200 renowned brands across fashion, electronics, active wear, cinema, and gifting, Times Square provides a vibrant shopping and entertainment experience. After indulging in retail therapy, visitors can unwind at more than 25 dining spots, offering a range of options from cozy cafes to upscale eateries, catering to every taste.

Pantum’s Efficient Pro Series Laser Printer Wins iF DESIGN AWARD 2025

ZHUHAI, China, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pantum’s Efficient Pro Series monochrome laser printer has been honored with the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 in March 2025, showcasing its outstanding design and functionality. This honor, presented by iF International Forum Design GmbH, one of the world’s oldest independent design institutions, highlights the printer’s innovation, practicality, and eco-friendly features.

Pantum
Pantum

The iF DESIGN AWARD is a globally recognized symbol of design excellence. Evaluated by a team of international experts, consisting of 131 independent design professionals, the Pantum Efficient Pro Series stood out impressively for its exemplary design concept among nearly 11,000 submissions from 66 countries.

With a unique “stacked geometry”design concept, the Efficient Pro Series is a brand-new lineup of A4 laser printers, showcasing Pantum’s innovative design language. It is noted for its high-performance printing capabilities, with an exceptional endurance of up to 200,000 pages without interruption and an extremely low jam rate below 0.02‰*, certified by CEPREI Laboratory, China’s authoritative testing institution. These attributes underscore its reliability and efficient performance suitable even under rigorous use.

Furthermore, the versatility in media handling sets this printer apart as it supports various media types including transparency sheets, labels, thick and thin papers. This flexibility makes them suitable for diverse printing needs across various industries.

Innovative additions also include automatic jam removal ensuring smooth operations without manual interventions and the Wi-Fi Direct feature which connects within ten seconds enhancing user convenience significantly.

The printer’s environmental credentials are further strengthened by its ENERGY STAR® certification, demonstrating Pantum’s commitment to sustainable product development.

Gary Chen, Deputy Director of Product & Technology Department at Pantum, stated, “This award reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. We strive to develop user-friendly products that meet the evolving needs of our customers, and the Efficient Pro Series is a perfect example of this dedication.”

In 2025, Pantum is set to launch new products, further demonstrating its brand strength and commitment to innovation. The company will continue to expand its global presence, focusing on delivering value to both businesses and home users.

Further information about the Efficient Pro Series Laser Printer can be found on the official ifdesign.com website under “Winners & iF Ranking”: https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/efficient-pro-series-laser-printers/712138

About Pantum

Founded in 2010, Pantum is an outstanding printer brand, with its business covering printers, printing materials, and printing solutions and services. Since 2012, Pantum began its overseas expansion with a current global footprint of more than 110 countries and regions. With its patented technology, Pantum is committed to meeting evolving printing needs by offering cost-effective, user-friendly, and energy-efficient products, as well as reliable printing solutions.

For more information, please visit Facebook, Instagram,X,Linkedin and Youtube

*During continuous test working hours.

*Data based on reports from China SaiBao Laboratory (CEPREI, MIIT) (Report Nos. Z2408WT8888-011369/Z2408WT8888-011368). Tested under laboratory conditions. Actual performance may vary due to environmental and paper quality factors.

FLAIR to Debut at Manufacturing World Nagoya 2025

Showcasing Five Platform Technologies to Empower Industrial Advancement in the Central Japan Region

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2025 – The Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Centre (FLAIR) will debut in Japan at Manufacturing World Nagoya 2025 (9-11 April, Port Messe Nagoya), showcasing advanced technologies to Japan’s manufacturing sector and fostering strategic collaborations to drive industrial innovation.

Manufacturing World Nagoya 2025: Inspiring Innovation and Uncovering New Opportunities in Manufacturing

Nagoya, a key manufacturing hub in Japan, hosts Manufacturing World Nagoya 2025 — Central Japan’s largest trade show for automotive, aerospace, and heavy industries. The event will spotlight cutting-edge technologies, including mechanical components, factory automation, additive manufacturing, and industrial cybersecurity, attracting over 30,000 professionals from R&D, production, and procurement. Exhibitors gain unmatched networking and business opportunities, while conferences offer insights from industry leaders on the latest trends and innovations.

FLAIR to Empower Japan’s Manufacturing Industry with Advanced Technologies and Intelligent Solutions

At the exhibition, FLAIR will showcase its mature industrial AI solutions and actively seek partnerships with leading manufacturing companies in the Chubu region. Recognising the region’s significance as Japan’s manufacturing heartland, FLAIR aims to help local businesses boost efficiency and quality while addressing global competition. Furthermore, FLAIR seeks to establish long-term collaborations with potential partners to drive innovation and development within the Chubu region’s manufacturing sector, fostering mutual success.

FLAIR will highlight its five commercially established spin-off platform solutions addressing: visual inspection, industrial product creation, next-generation warehouse logistics, low-code robotics, and sustainable green technologies, offering comprehensive support for the future of manufacturing.

FLAIR’s International R&D Team: Pioneering Industrial AI Innovation and Driving Global Transformation

FLAIR’s international R&D team brings together top global talent with deep expertise in AI and robotics. The team is dedicated to developing innovative solutions tailored to diverse industrial applications and expanding their global influence through commercialisation.

Backed by its world-class R&D team, FLAIR has earned numerous international accolades, including patents and inventions, underscoring its position as a leader in industrial AI innovation.

Visit FLAIR at Manufacturing World Nagoya 2025
FLAIR booth location: 23-80 at Manufacturing DX Expo
Visitor registration: Click Here
Media Enquiries: Click Here
Hashtag: #FLAIR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

U.S. Ag Partners and U.S. Soy Lead Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Southeast Asia’s Food and Feed Sector

Industry Representatives and Experts Converge in Manila to Share and Exchange Perspectives on the Evolving Food, Feed, and Ag Trade Landscape

MANILA, Philippines, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In March 2025, Southeast Asia’s food, feed, and ag trade community gathered in Manila for two pivotal events hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC): the AG Supply Chain Asia Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025. Each event drew a unique audience of industry leaders, traders, and technical experts, offering distinct platforms to exchange insights, explore market dynamics, and discuss opportunities shaping the future of food and agriculture in the region. Together, both events offered timely perspectives and forward-looking strategies that continue to inform and inspire progress across Southeast Asia’s agricultural value chain.

Southeast Asia remains a fast-growing market for U.S. Soy, fueled by increasing demand across both feed and food sectors. In Marketing Year (MY) 2023/24, the region imported 9.08 million metric tons (MMT) of whole soybeans and 20.89 MMT of soybean meal, underscoring its reliance on U.S. Soy for high-quality, sustainable protein solutions. The Philippines has been the top importer of U.S. soybean meal for eight consecutive years, while Vietnam and Indonesia’s imports have surged by 110% and 49%, respectively, over the last five years.

Additionally, the region’s food and beverage industry continue to embrace U.S. Soy’s quality and versatility, reinforcing its role in traditional and modern food applications. In MY 2023/24, Indonesia—the region’s largest food-use soybean importer—sourced 2.67 MMT of whole soybeans, with the U.S. supplying approximately 90% of those imports, underscoring its role in staple foods like tofu and tempe.

“The AG Supply Chain Asia Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit underscore U.S. Soy’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and partnership,” said Timothy Loh, USSEC’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania. “By bringing together key players across the food and feed value chain, we’re facilitating informed, forward-looking dialogue that supports stronger market connections, protein security, and promoting growth and collaboration across the region.”

With U.S. Soy remaining competitively priced in the global marketplace, the conferences provided a timely forum to address emerging challenges, drive innovation, and strengthen supply chains.

AG Supply Chain Asia (March 17–19, 2025)

Co-organized by USSEC, U.S. Grains Council, and U.S. Wheat Associates, AG Supply Chain Asia continues to be a premier platform for advancing agricultural trade in Southeast Asia. Themed “Transforming Agriculture: Advancing Trade with Sustainable Solutions”, the 2025 event focused on:

  • Global market trends shaping trade flows and supply chain strategies.
  • Innovations in logistics and transportation for greater efficiency.
  • Developments in the U.S. crushing industry and biofuels.
  • The role of U.S. Soy in securing a stable, high-quality supply for Southeast Asia.

The event facilitated business-to-business (B2B) engagements, connecting buyers with U.S. exporters to strengthen partnerships and explore new trade opportunities. Expert-led discussions also delved into sustainability-driven sourcing strategies, including the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), and the impact of shifting market dynamics on long-term food security.

Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025 (March 19–21, 2025)

Soy’s versatility extends beyond nutrition—it plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable food system, supporting food security, and meeting evolving consumer preferences. Themed “Nourishing with Soy – A Sustainable and Preferred Food Protein Solution”, the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025 showcased soy’s essential contributions to global health and environmental sustainability, reinforcing its position as a preferred protein source.

The summit gathered U.S. Soy producers, soy suppliers, food producers, researchers, health professionals, and culinary experts to explore innovations in soy-based foods, sustainability strategies, and market trends driving the future of soy consumption.

Key discussions included:

  • Soy’s role in sustainable nutrition, delivering high-quality protein, essential fats, and key nutrients for human health.
  • Advancing soy-based food innovations, with insights into new product development and expanding consumer markets.
  • Strengthening industry capabilities, through discussions on sustainability standards, responsible sourcing, and opportunities for growth.

With a growing demand for plant-based and environmentally friendly food options, the summit underscored U.S. Soy’s leadership in delivering sustainable, nutritious, and high-quality soy products that align with the region’s evolving consumer needs.

With sustainability and food security as top priorities, U.S. Soy remains a trusted partner in Southeast Asia, providing high-quality, responsibly sourced solutions that drive long-term industry growth and support the region’s evolving food and feed needs.

This press release is funded in part by the soy checkoff. 

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC):  

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 93 countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the soy checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry. Visit ussec.org for the latest information and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally. 

Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO (far left) and Timothy Loh, Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania (far right), at the conferences in Manila.
Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO (far left) and Timothy Loh, Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania (far right), at the conferences in Manila.