Expect significant new tariffs on Chinese imports and moderate levies on goods from other nations , as President-elect Donald Trump rolls out his protectionist agenda. However, with his preference for chaotic policymaking and sudden shifts , there’s uncertainty on how soon these import taxes will actually hit. Dubbed “ Tariff Man ,” Trump aims to use tariffs both strategically and tactically . He’s mentioned taxing all Chinese goods up to 60% and potentially setting 10%-20% tariffs on imports globally , but details on these plans remain vague . Key players within Trump’s team are divided: Robert Lighthizer , a staunch tariff advocate, sees permanent duties as crucial to balance US trade , while others, like billionaires John Paulson and Scott Bessent , view tariffs as temporary leverage. Trump’s previous administration had mixed feelings, especially on national security-related trade limits , which he sometimes dismissed, favoring an “open for business” approach. High-profile busin
Recent US interest rate cuts and China’s economic stimulus are expected to boost private equity (PE) activity in Asia by lowering funding costs and improving market sentiment, industry insiders said. These developments could make it easier for private equity firms to exit their investments, a process that has been challenging due to volatile market conditions.
The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than four years, with more reductions expected, easing financing constraints for leveraged buyouts. At the same time, China's broader-than-expected monetary stimulus and property market support measures aim to revive confidence in the country’s economy, with further fiscal measures anticipated.
"With the Fed entering a rate-cut cycle, we expect financing conditions to improve, driving a recovery in exit activity and asset valuations," said Janice Leow, head of EQT Private Capital Southeast Asia. She noted that this would help narrow the valuation gap between buyers and sellers, creating more opportunities for dealmaking.
A senior PE investor focusing on Asia also highlighted that the rally in Asian stock markets could raise company valuations, making it easier to list portfolio companies.
While PE-backed mergers and acquisitions in the Asia-Pacific, including Japan, rose 14% year-on-year to US$105 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, the number of new deals dropped 43% from the same period in 2023, according to LSEG data. The increase in value was driven by notable deals like the US$16 billion takeover of Australian data center provider AirTrunk by a Blackstone-led consortium.
Despite the decline in new deals, industry players remain optimistic about the improving exit environment, especially with rate cuts in the US. Blackstone has been actively monetizing its assets, recently selling Japanese drugmaker Alinamin Pharmaceutical to a North Asian buyout fund.
Blackstone's Amit Dalmia expressed optimism, stating, "We have sold multiple companies in Japan and Korea... it’s a very robust exit environment."
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