Amid Trump’s tariff war, 1 Asia sector could emerge unscathed – clean energy

Asia and other regions are expected to boost renewable partnerships with China, the world’s clean energy leader, analysts say

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Solar panels on the roof of a house in a village on Sumba Island, Indonesia. China is set to cement its lead in the global clean energy market, analysts say. Photo: AP

Published: 8:31pm, 7 Apr 2025Updated: 11:08am, 10 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs may be rattling global markets, but Asia’s clean energy plans are expected to remain on course due to its limited reliance on the US market, surging global demand and deepening regional integration.

The tariffs could pave the way for an increase in clean energy partnerships within the region and beyond, with China leading the way to help the world transition away from fossil fuels, according to analysts.

“The US is retreating behind tariff walls while large parts of the world are forging ahead on clean energy,” said Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University. “China seems eager to fill the vacuum on global climate leadership and trade created by the current US administration.”

China, South Korea and Japan have reportedly been in talks to strengthen supply chain cooperation in response to the Trump administration’s protectionist pivot, with clean energy identified as a key focus.

Last month, the US withdrew from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a global initiative launched in 2021 to assist developing nations in transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources.

The move was in tandem with Trump’s rollback of international climate commitments, including his executive order in January to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement for a second time.