ASEAN Nations Shift to Local Currency Trade Amid US Dollar Retreat
ASEAN economies are accelerating their pivot away from the US dollar as China and Indonesia finalize cross-border settlement agreements in local currencies. The 46th ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur marked a strategic realignment, with member states seeking insulation from US trade policies while deepening economic ties with Beijing.
The landmark currency agreements eliminate dollar intermediation in bilateral transactions—a MOVE expected to boost GDP growth for both China and Indonesia. This development reflects a broader trend among emerging markets to prioritize regional currency frameworks over dollar dependency.