BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  The New Trade Order: Must-Know Insights For Business Leaders

The New Trade Order: Must-Know Insights For Business Leaders

Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader of the Global Advantage Practice, BCG

18-Feb-25 12:00

The New Trade Order: Must-Know Insights For Business Leaders

Geopolitics is reshaping global trade, positioning Malaysia, other ASEAN nations, and the Global South as key winners. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Aparna Bharadwaj, Managing Director & Partner at BCG Singapore and Global Leader of BCG’s Global Advantage Practice, as she unpacks the forces transforming international trade and what today’s business leaders must understand to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Drawing on insights from BCG’s report ‘Great Powers, Geopolitics, and Global Trade’, the conversation dives into how North America is reducing its reliance on China, while ASEAN and other Global South markets are emerging as key players.  Aparna explains the domino effect of shifting trade flows, the impact of rising tariffs, and the strategic importance of building geopolitical muscle in today’s volatile market.  The discussion highlights opportunities for diversification, the benefits of resilient supply chains, and the potential for nations like Malaysia to capitalise on these trends. 

Here are some AI-generated key highlights from the conversation:

Global Trade Shift: Trade is moving from free-market ideals to systems driven by geopolitics, economic security, and shifting corridors, sparked by the US-China trade slowdown and rising economic nationalism.

Key Trade Corridors: Expect a $160 billion shrink in US-China trade, rapid growth in China–Global South flows, and significant increases in US–India trade—creating a domino effect across regions.

ASEAN & Malaysia’s Edge: ASEAN, especially Malaysia, benefits from a "China plus X" strategy thanks to pragmatic policies, special economic zones, and opportunities in the halal market.

Impact of US Tariffs: US tariffs, a pillar of the "America First" policy, and potential reciprocal measures are reshaping supply chains and trade balances globally.

China’s New Focus & Global South: China is pivoting away from the West toward increased trade with ASEAN, BRICS+, and the global South, where faster GDP growth and resilient FDI flows prevail.

Business Strategies: Key recommendations for businesses include strengthening supply chain resilience, building geopolitical intelligence, exploring new growth markets, considering nearshoring strategies, and diversifying market footprints.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  economypoliticsinternationalmarkets

Tags:  geopolitical strategyASEAN growtheconomic nationalismFDI trendstrade realignmentglobal trade





Play / Pause

Listen now : P&L: Risk and Return: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Fund Managers

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Prof. Donald Leslie Baker of the University of British Columbia discusses South Korea’s future after President Yoon Suk-Yeol's impeachment and the upcoming snap election in June.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Adrian Lasimbang of Pertubuhan Suara Anak Sabah shares his insights on the planned Sabah rural economic initiative.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Brandon Lim, Executive Director of Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd discusses the company's operations and its transfer to the ACE Market.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Andrew Chan, Director of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association discusses how the new US tariffs might affect local players.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Kingsley Jones of Jevons Global tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

We ask Thilan Wickramasinghe Head of Research, Singapore at Maybank Investment Bank on the outlook for Singapore amid Trump's Tariffs.

9:35 AM

Pinnacle Perspectives

Jayant Menon of ISEAS discusses the impact of President Trump's 24% tariff on Malaysia and its effect on global trade and investment strategies.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Xtractify: Automatically Acquire Customers Via WhatsApp?

11:05 AM

P&L

Risk and Return: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Fund Managers

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

The Tourism Value of Pickleball? MATTA’s Grand Slam

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Lim Ding Shyong, Executive Director, Lim Seong Hai Capital Berhad

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

When Professor Darryl Jones moved to Malaysia, his daily birdwatching walks in Bukit Kiara soon evolved into a detailed survey and collaboration with Friends of Bukit Kiara. We speak to him about his work, and the urgent need to protect this urban forest.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Every 2 minutes, one woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth. Every 7 seconds, a newborn baby dies. This World Health Day, we ask why this is still happening.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Today I Learned

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

A Bit of Culture