World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, October 2025: Jobs
East Asia and the Pacific’s economic momentum is softening as global growth slows, trade restrictions rise, and domestic uncertainties persist, though the region still outperforms global averages. Industrial output and retail activity remain resilient, yet weak business confidence and fading export orders signal headwinds ahead. While higher U.S. tariffs may dampen exports, their overall economic impact is cushioned by trade diversification. Labor markets are generally strong, but youth unemployment, informality, and gender gaps remain pressing. The region’s long-term growth hinges on closing gaps between human capacity and economic opportunity—by boosting education quality, easing business barriers, embracing technology, and ensuring that skill development and structural reforms advance in tandem.