Strengthening Economic Ties Amid Global Uncertainties: Insights from APEC 2026

This photo taken on Feb 10, 2026, shows a view outside the venue for the First Senior Officials’ Meeting of APEC China 2026 in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

In the face of an uneven global economic recovery, the importance of stronger economic ties within the Asia-Pacific region is more critical than ever. As markets continue to navigate turbulent waters, maintaining open trade channels and robust supply chains emerges as a key strategy to sustain business growth. These insights were shared by market experts and Chinese exporters during the recent First Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) China 2026 in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

The Need for Openness

Addressing attendees, Zheng Yongnian, dean of the School of Public Policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), emphasized the shared challenges facing both developed and developing nations within the APEC framework. As geopolitical tensions and the forces of deglobalization reshape capital flows, goods, and talent, nations must lean into collaboration to foster stability and growth.

Zheng pointed out that the ongoing fragmentation of the global economy complicates growth pathways. Politically charged decisions increasingly affect trade, investment, and innovation strategies: “In such an environment, openness becomes even more important,” he asserted. The free movement of production factors is essential for economic growth, underscoring the critical role platforms like APEC play in fostering international cooperation.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

As part of the preparations leading to the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November in Shenzhen, a series of senior officials’ meetings are planned throughout 2026. Upcoming gatherings in Shanghai this May and in Dalian, Liaoning province, in August will pave the way for approximately ten sectoral ministerial meetings. Topics will cover vital areas including goods trade, the digital economy, transportation, and finance.

This proactive approach highlights China’s intent to align with high-standard international trade and economic frameworks. Guo Xueyan, director of the General Administration of Customs’ (GAC) department of international cooperation, remarked, “An open APEC economic framework is essential for sustaining both regional and global growth.”

Trade Dynamics in a Complex Environment

Current trends reveal robust trading activity within APEC economies. Data indicates that in 2025, China’s total trade with other APEC economies reached an impressive 26.29 trillion yuan ($3.8 trillion), accounting for 57.82 percent of the nation’s total foreign trade. Furthermore, trade between China and emerging economies, including ASEAN member states, shows remarkable resilience.

The evolving logistics landscape, driven by advancements in overland and air freight, has reduced reliance on a singular maritime transportation model. This diversification is crucial for establishing a more resilient regional logistics framework, particularly amid ongoing global uncertainties.

Enhancing Supply Chain Connectivity

Efforts to enhance supply chain connectivity are also well underway. China is proactively building high-end manufacturing supply chains in collaboration with Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, infrastructure cooperation with Southeast Asian nations continues to expand, while integration of resource and energy value chains with Latin America is fostering a more mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem.

For instance, Ningbo Cetus Electric Appliance Co., a manufacturer based in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, reported a remarkable 45 percent increase in exports to South Korea in 2025, amounting to 70 million yuan. This surge in demand illustrates the strength of economic ties within the APEC region, showcasing how manufacturers can thrive in carefully nurtured markets.

Growth in Various Sectors

The cosmetics industry exemplifies another sector benefiting from this interconnectedness. For example, Guangzhou Zuofun Cosmetics Co. experienced a staggering nearly 200 percent year-on-year increase in exports to APEC economies like Indonesia and Malaysia in January. The rising consumer demand and expanding retail channels in Southeast Asia indicate significant growth potential for companies willing to adapt and innovate.

Wu Shuang, the chief financial officer of Zuofun, expressed confidence in the APEC markets for the upcoming year, citing positive trends and growing interests from consumers across the region.

Conclusion

As the Asia-Pacific region progresses towards enhanced collaboration and economic integration, the insights shared during APEC 2026 emphasize the need for openness and cooperation. While challenges persist, particularly concerning geopolitical tensions and economic nationalism, the strategies discussed point toward a future where regional growth is not just a possibility, but an achievable reality. By fostering resilient trade relationships and embracing innovation, the APEC economies are setting the stage for a prosperous future.