Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) projects the average economic growth of its member economies to reach 3.2 percent year-on-year this year, surpassing the estimated global economic growth of 3.0 percent.
According to a report released in Dalian, China, on Friday, APEC analysts stated that this growth is underpinned by robust trade in technology products and digital services, alongside steady investment flows into these sectors.
“Trade remains one of the brighter spots in the region. The expansion recorded in 2025 continued into early 2026, driven mainly by technology products,” the report noted.
Export values surged by 18.8 percent year-on-year, with a 10.8 percent increase in volume. Meanwhile, import values grew by 10.2 percent, accompanied by an 11.1 percent rise in volume.
The digital services sector also continues to significantly contribute to the region’s economic expansion. Throughout 2025, the export and import values of digital services surpassed US$1.8 trillion and US$1.5 trillion, respectively, jumping 70 to 75 percent from pre-pandemic levels.
This growth is further supported by stable foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, with greenfield investments primarily focusing on digital services, electronics, and energy.
These three sectors accounted for 57.6 percent of total global greenfield investments in 2025, a surge of nearly 10 percentage points compared to five years ago.
This trend reflects a structural shift among APEC member economies toward a more digitalized economy with a stronger focus on energy resilience.
Nevertheless, relatively high inflation remains a looming threat. Average inflation in the region is projected to rise from 2.4 percent in 2025 to 2.9 percent in 2026.
The report attributed the inflationary rise partly to ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have elevated energy prices and logistics insurance costs, ultimately driving up global shipping rates.
Additionally, extreme weather and the El Niño phenomenon have hampered agricultural production, prompting a spike in food prices.
Analysts warn that rising logistics costs and food prices could erode public purchasing power, elevate business operational costs, and create a more volatile investment climate.
To address these economic risks, APEC outlined four policy recommendations: accelerating digital transformation, strengthening supply chains, enhancing climate adaptation and food security, and mobilizing productive investments.
“Achieving this will require stronger regional cooperation, continued investment in infrastructure and (human resources) skills, and policies that support broad-based growth and strengthen the region’s capacity to navigate future shocks,” the report concluded.
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Reporter: Uyu Septiyati Liman
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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