Facilitating Trade in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has made strong strides in streamlining border procedures and embracing digital tools, yet progress remains uneven across Member States. Since 2022, ASEAN economies have reduced border complexities by an average of 6%, with notable gains in transparency, automation, and border agency co-operation. Regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Single Window, Tariff Finder, Customs Transit System, and new Authorised Economic Operator arrangements are helping to cut costs, strengthen resilience, and boost supply chain connectivity. Still, differences in the maturity and alignment of risk management systems, border agency co-operation mechanisms and interoperability frameworks continue to shape the pace of progress. By closing the gap between commitments and implementation, ASEAN can unlock deeper reductions in trade costs, enhance resilience against supply chain shocks, and reinforce its position as a dynamic hub of global trade integration. This report draws on the latest OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) to assess reform trends, highlight achievements, and identify remaining bottlenecks.