The outlook for 2026 was unchanged. The research office cited stronger exports and investment linked to artificial intelligence.
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) raised its forecast for the region’s economic growth in 2027 to 4.1%, 0.1 percentage point above its previous estimate. It kept the 2026 forecast unchanged at 4.1%. ASEAN+3 comprises the ASEAN member states plus China, Japan and South Korea.
AMRO attributed the revision to stronger exports and investment in artificial intelligence. Chief Economist Dong He said the AI investment cycle was supporting broader regional activity, although domestic demand remained uneven.
He said disruptions to energy and industrial raw-material supplies had proved less severe than many had feared, easing pressure on production. But high energy and logistics costs continued to weigh on household purchasing power and business expenses.
The region’s outlook remains particularly sensitive to AI-related demand, which could strengthen or weaken exports and investment. AMRO listed renewed disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies, a more persistent El Niño, financial-market volatility and further protectionist measures among the downside risks.