Indo-Pacific Analysis Brief Vol 59
The next key player? Assessing ASEAN’s role in global critical minerals supply chains
January 2026
By Dr Pia Dannhauer
The race to build resilient critical mineral supply chains is accelerating.
Recent Australia–Japan agreements on critical minerals and renewed discussion about trusted regional supply chains show that competition is no longer just about resources—it’s about partnerships.
In this Indo-Pacific Analysis Brief, Centre Senior Research Fellow Dr Pia Dannhauer explores an often-overlooked question: What role can ASEAN play in the future of global critical mineral supply chains?
Rather than viewing Southeast Asia solely as a manufacturing hub, the Brief examines how ASEAN economies are positioning themselves as increasingly important players in processing, investment and regional supply-chain resilience.
As governments and industry look to diversify supply chains, understanding ASEAN’s evolving role has never been more important.
Key Messages
↗ The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has increasingly come to view minerals not only as a development opportunity but also as strategic assets, particularly in light of the role of critical minerals in the twin digital and energy transitions.
↗ Significant challenges continue to constrain ASEAN’s ambitions to become an important stakeholder in global supply and value chains.
↗ The growing bifurcation of global supply chains is testing Southeast Asia’s longstanding policy of non-alignment.
↗ Limited alignment and regulatory fragmentation within ASEAN undermine the implementation of regional goals and deter much-needed investment.
↗ International expectations regarding social and environmental sustainability pose a significant threat to the region’s future competitiveness.
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Indo-Pacific Analysis Briefs
The Indo-Pacific Analysis Briefs deliver concise, timely insights on critical regional developments. Drawing on perspectives from leading analysts in Asia, Australia and the United States, this series examines emerging issues shaping national and Indo-Pacific policy.