ADB Southeast Asia Growth Forecast Cut, Vietnam Upgraded for 2025

ADB Southeast Asia growth forecast has been lowered for 2025 and 2026, with weaker global demand, trade tensions and domestic headwinds cited, while Vietnam received a modest upgrade. Regional GDP is now projected at 4.3% for both years, down from 4.7% earlier, the Asian Development Bank said. Thailand saw the sharpest downgrade, with GDP growth expected at 2% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026, pressured by U.S. tariffs, sluggish tourism and fragile consumption. Singapore’s outlook was also reduced, with growth trimmed to 2.5% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026, as tariffs hit trade and pharmaceuticals. Vietnam was the standout, with growth raised to 6.7% in 2025 on strong exports, manufacturing and foreign investment inflows.