Asian companies seek new markets amid tariff shock

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Facing fresh US tariff hikes, a logistics hub in Laos is turning challenge into opportunity by leveraging Asia's enhanced connectivity to expand trade and access new markets.

"We are looking for other alternative markets we have never thought about before," said Tee Chee Seng, executive director of the Savan Park Special Economic Zone in southern Laos' Savannakhet Province.

The zone hosts 48 factories that are mainly from France, Italy, Japan, the United States and China. About 10 companies export goods to the US, Tee said. Although the rising tariffs threaten Laos' exports to the US, they are also encouraging a pivot toward new markets, such as Central Asia and the Middle East, he said.