20240731 Cover SE Asia tariffs on China goods img main

While Southeast Asian retailers and manufacturers are seeking relief from what they see as unfair competition, government officials are trying to persuade Chinese companies to invest in local production, especially in high-tech sectors. (Illustration by Daniel Garcia)

Southeast Asia pushes back on cheap Chinese imports

E-commerce and EVs force balancing between tariffs and pursuit of high-tech investments

FRANCESCA REGALADO, ERWIDA MAULIA and NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writers

July 31, 2024 06:00 JST

BANGKOK/JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR -- When his textile factory in Bandung, West Java, began laying off workers in January, Kurniadi Eka Mulyana became increasingly anxious.