Decipher Index

With business growth and supply chain shifts to Southeast and South Asia as noted by DHL Express, Supply Chain unsurprisingly takes the top spot this period. Amid geopolitical tensions, volume recovery in Southeast Asia receives a hefty boost from business moving out of China, particularly as the U.S.-China trade war continues to overshadow the region. Again the top theme across APAC, Supply Chain is likely to remain high impact for the foreseeable future.

The expected state visit of Russian president Vladimir Putin to Beijing boosts Business in Russia across Asia-Pacific, which rose four spots this period. With topics on the docket including U.S. support of Israel, closer relations with Iran and North Korea, and industrial and technological cooperation, the visit is likely to solidify the growing divide between East and West even as Xi attempts to “avoid a Cold War.” Without a doubt, as China and Russia maintain a close connection, Business in Russia will likely remain moderate-to-high impact in the region.