Asia’s economy: Leaders of 2025

Pars Today – In 2025, Asian factories and industries, with increased production and exports, pushed the U.S. and Europe behind in industry and technology.

Farewell to combustion cars: BYD electric vehicles surpass America’s Tesla

According to Pars Today, citing CGTN, Chinese automaker BYD has overtaken Tesla as the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer. This is the first time BYD has surpassed Tesla in annual sales. In 2025, BYD sold 2.26 million fully electric vehicles, becoming the world’s top electric car producer for the first time.

While Tesla’s vehicle deliveries fell by about 9% to 1.64 million units, BYD’s electric car sales grew nearly 28%, playing a key role in the company’s overall sales increase. BYD’s expanding international operations, particularly in Europe, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, pushed its overseas sales in 2025 to over one million units—a 150% increase compared to the previous year.

A cold end to 2025 for European factories, Asian industries shine

Reuters, citing Purchasing Managers’ Index data, reported that Europe’s industrial activity plunged into a deeper recession at the end of 2025, particularly in major economies like Germany, Italy, and Spain, where production declined and new orders fell noticeably. In contrast, Asian factories—especially in China, South Korea, and Taiwan—performed better, benefiting from stronger export orders and increased demand for AI-related products. This growth boosted production, employment, and raw material purchases, cementing Asia’s position as the world’s main driver of industrial growth by year-end.

Without dollar, U.S. falls behind in everything; China comes first!

According to Asia Times (December 28, 2025), while China is still the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP, it leads in many key indicators. China’s steel production is 12.7 times that of the U.S., and its commercial shipbuilding output is over 1,000 times greater. China’s exports of goods and advanced technology are 73% higher and 3.7 times that of the U.S., respectively. Its transportation network includes 65% of the world’s high-speed rail lines, 44 metro systems totaling over 10,000 km, and highways more than twice the length of those in the U.S. In higher education, China produces 1.7 million engineering and computer science graduates—6.7 times the U.S. The report emphasizes that while the U.S., focusing on services and a strong dollar, leads in nominal GDP, China is practically the global leader in industrial production, trade, technology, and practical education.

Vietnam: A key economic hub in Southeast Asia (ASEAN) – 2025

According to The Nation Thailand (December 28, 2025), Vietnam recorded the fastest-growing economy in ASEAN during the first three quarters of 2025, with GDP growth around 7%. With a population of 106 million, an active workforce of about 70%, low labor and electricity costs, and political stability, the country has become highly attractive for foreign investment, particularly in technology and semiconductor industries. FDI in 2024 totaled approximately $38 billion, mostly directed to the tech sector. Vietnam’s economic growth structure is composed of 60% domestic consumption, 25% investment, 10% government spending, and 5% international trade as a share of GDP.

Key infrastructure projects include the Ho Chi Minh City Metro, Long Thanh Airport, highways, and the North–South railway. The government plans to train a skilled workforce in technology and semiconductors and develop nuclear power plants. With 17 free trade agreements covering more than 60 countries and a focus on high-value industries, Vietnam has solidified its position as an ASEAN economic hub, although regional competition and potential U.S. tariffs remain challenges.