Asia Export Hubs Show Robust Activity Despite Trump Tariffs (1)

Asia’s export hubs are showing surprisingly robust economic results a month after US “reciprocal tariffs” came into force, easing fears that prompted economists to cut growth projections and regional central banks to warn of downside risks.

Readings of manufacturing activity this week showed order books are growing from Thailand to Vietnam, demand is drawing down from inventories and optimism remains among factory owners. South Korean exports, an early barometer of regional trade, held up in August and shipments in July from Sri Lanka and Thailand grew at double digits.

Economists at Bank of America Corp. upgraded their growth forecast for ...