GDP growth rate SEA 2017-2025, by country

In 2023, the real gross domestic product (GDP) in the Philippines grew by approximately 5.55 percent, marking the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia. In comparison, Singapore's real GDP growth rate dropped to less than 1.1 percent. Most Southeast Asian economies are projected to see an increase in their real GDP growth rates in 2025 compared to 2023, except for Laos and Myanmar.

Southeast Asia, a tapestry of economic and cultural complexity

Historically a critical component of global trade, Southeast Asia is a diverse region with heterogeneous economies. The region comprises 11 countries in total. While Singapore is a highly developed country economy and Brunei has a relatively high GDP per capita, the rest of the Southeast Asian countries are characterized by lower GDPs per capita and have yet to overcome the middle-income trap. Malaysia is one of these countries, having reached the middle-income level for many decades but yet to grow incomes proportionally to its economic development. Nevertheless, Southeast Asia’s young population will further drive economic growth across the region’s markets.

ASEAN’s economic significance

Aiming to promote economic growth, social progress, cultural development, and regional stability, all Southeast Asian countries except for Timor-Leste are part of the political and economic union Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Even though many concerns surround the union, ASEAN has avoided trade conflicts and is one of the largest and most dynamic trade zones globally. Factors such as the growing young population, high GDP growth, a largely positive trade balance, and exemplary regional integration hold great potential for future economic development in Southeast Asia.