Современные тренды в международной торгово-экономической интеграции стран Азиатско-Тихоокеанского региона

Abstract

The paper analyzes the main trends of modern trade integration in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as key trade blocs (both existing and potential) that form these trends. As a result, such factors as the desire of major players to institutionalize trade and economic relations through the formation of their own trade rules and standards, the confrontation between the United States and China for leading positions in the region, as well as the accelerated development of the digital economy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic consequences are highlighted as determining the state of foreign trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific countries reaction to the pressure of these factors is expressed in an increase in the amount of new regional trade blocs, the expansion of existing ones, as well as changes in the economic strategies of states. The United States and its key allies in the region are most active in this area. This has already led to the renaming of the Asia-Pacific region to the Indo-Pacific in order to increase India's role in regional trade. In the medium term, this may lead to the formation of a pro-American trade and digital development system with the open access only for partner countries, which traditionally do not include Russia and China.