ASEAN For Business Bulletin - First Edition 2026 [Upgraded ATIGA: A New Trade Playbook for Regional Business]

The first 2026 edition of the ASEAN For Business Bulletin spotlights the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), marking the first major overhaul since its entry into force in 2010.

While 99% of tariff lines have already been eliminated under ATIGA, today’s business challenges lie beyond tariffs in regulatory complexity, non-tariff measures, supply chain disruptions, and digital transformation. The upgraded agreement responds directly to these realities.

Key highlights include:

• Stronger disciplines on non-tariff measures and improved transparency

• Digital-by-default trade processes, including expanded use of the ASEAN Single Window

• Simplified and modernised rules of origin, particularly beneficial for MSMEs

• Recognition of remanufactured goods, aligning trade with circular economy goals

• A dedicated MSME chapter to improve accessibility and utilisation of trade rules

• Introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms

• New provisions to safeguard trade flows during humanitarian crises

  
  

Intra-ASEAN trade has grown by over 64% since 2010, reaching USD 823 billion in 2024

underscoring the importance of strengthening the rules that govern regional supply chains.

The upgraded ATIGA positions ASEAN not only as an open market, but as a more resilient, digital, sustainable, and business-centric trade bloc for the decade ahead.

Read the full bulletin to explore how ASEAN is upgrading the rules of the game for regional and global businesses.

ASEAN for Business Bulletin - First Edition, 2026.pdf

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