Finance ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum have warned that persistent global economic imbalances pose risks to economic growth and financial stability, calling for stronger cooperation and better coordination of economic policies among member economies.
The warning came in a joint statement released on Wednesday following a two-day meeting held on October 20–21 in Hong Kong, China. The discussions focused on the global economic outlook, trade imbalances, geopolitical tensions, supply chain vulnerabilities and measures to support sustainable growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
APEC Calls for Global Economic Rebalancing
In their joint statement, finance ministers acknowledged that global economic imbalances have persisted, creating risks for growth and stability. They said global rebalancing was in the common interest of participating economies and agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation.
However, the statement did not outline specific measures or a detailed timetable for addressing these imbalances.
The discussions took place amid growing international attention on trade disparities, particularly China’s expanding trade surplus and the impact of global export competition on other economies.
According to reporting by The Associated Press, China’s trade surplus in 2025 reached a record $1.2 trillion, and it was expected to exceed that level in 2026. The development has intensified debate over global trade patterns and the distribution of economic gains.
Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Risks
Finance ministers also highlighted geopolitical tensions, vulnerable supply chains, volatile commodity prices, tighter financing conditions and policy uncertainty as key risks to the global economy.
These challenges could affect international trade, investment decisions, production costs and financial markets. Disruptions to supply chains may also create difficulties for businesses that depend on cross-border supplies of raw materials, components and technology.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining resilient supply chains and keeping regional trade corridors open to support economic connectivity.
The joint statement also identified longer-term challenges, including debt vulnerabilities, demographic changes, economic fragmentation and extreme weather events, which could weigh on growth prospects.
APEC Members Seek Stronger Policy Coordination
Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, who chaired the meeting, said participating economies had agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on macroeconomic policies to address emerging risks and protect regional economic and financial stability.
The ministers also discussed fiscal policies aimed at supporting households, improving financial access and financing digital infrastructure.
They emphasised the importance of maintaining sustainable public finances while supporting household consumption and investment in people. These priorities reflect the challenge facing governments as they seek to stimulate demand without allowing public debt and fiscal pressures to increase unsustainably.
The meeting also addressed opportunities to use artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to improve productivity and create new sources of economic growth.
Trade Between China and APEC Economies Continues to Grow
Trade links across the Asia-Pacific region remain significant to the global economy. China’s customs agency reported that the country’s trade with other APEC economies increased by nearly 24% year-on-year during the first three quarters of 2026.
The increase was driven partly by strong exports of high-technology products, including electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, according to The Associated Press.
While expanding trade can create opportunities for businesses and consumers, persistent differences between exports and imports have become an important issue in international economic discussions. Policymakers are examining how economies can maintain the benefits of trade while addressing imbalances and strengthening domestic demand.
Digital Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda
Beyond trade, the meeting placed emphasis on digital infrastructure as a potential driver of economic development.
A separate policy statement encouraged APEC economies to develop reliable, secure and scalable digital infrastructure, improve digital literacy and strengthen cross-border connectivity.
Ministers also called for closer cooperation among governments, private companies and multilateral development banks to encourage investment, support innovation and reduce project risks.
Artificial intelligence was identified as another potential source of productivity growth. However, officials also noted that the benefits of technological investment may vary across economies, while uncertainty surrounding global growth remains a concern.
Focus Turns to the Upcoming APEC Summit
The finance ministers’ meeting was held ahead of the APEC leaders’ summit scheduled for next month in Shenzhen, China.
The wider summit is expected to bring regional economic cooperation, trade and geopolitical relations into focus. The Associated Press reported that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping were expected to meet on the sidelines of the gathering.
The finance ministers’ discussions underline the importance of economic coordination at a time when major economies face questions over trade patterns, supply chain resilience, debt and the impact of technological change.
Outlook: Cooperation Remains Key to Stability
The APEC finance ministers’ warning highlights the challenges facing policymakers as they seek to sustain growth in an uncertain global environment.
Although the participants agreed that economic rebalancing and stronger policy coordination are necessary, the absence of specific measures in the joint statement leaves open questions about how the commitments will be implemented.
The effectiveness of future cooperation will depend on how member economies respond to trade disparities, geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions and domestic economic pressures.
The bottom line: APEC finance ministers have placed global economic imbalances among the key risks facing the Asia-Pacific region. Their call for stronger cooperation reflects a shared concern that economic stability will require coordinated policies, resilient supply chains and sustainable sources of growth.
