Asean’s next big test: Winning from accelerated EU trade deals

If the 10-nation bloc’s corporates move quickly, the region could see a wave of new European investment and establish a stronger foothold in global supply chains

THE European Union has signalled that it aims to conclude free trade agreements (FTAs) with the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia by 2027, reviving momentum for the long-discussed EU-Asean bloc FTA. For Asean businesses, this announcement is more than a diplomatic milestone. It is a countdown clock.

With high purchasing power and demanding buyers, the EU remains one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Its renewed appetite for trade with Asean reflects both the EU’s search for supply chain resilience and its broader strategy to hedge against US-China rivalry. Yet while Asean exporters may see new opportunities, the terms of entry into Europe are far tougher than in past agreements.

Ramifications for Asean corporates

The EU’s FTA template goes well beyond tariff reductions. Expect binding chapters on labour rights, environmental standards and intellectual property protection. In parallel, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is already reshaping compliance expectations for carbon-intensive imports such as steel, aluminium and fertilisers.