In an era of volatile global trade policy, apart. Chinese inputs account for roughly 13% of Vietnamese production, more than twice Malaysia's 5%. This makes Vietnam more exposed to allegations of "round-tripping," meaning a deceptive trade practice where exports undergo destinations for efficiency-seeking FDl. qualify as originating from the declared country of export. For countries at low levels of development, this new environment raises platform hubs. Stricter rules-of-origin favor economies that already have deep domestic supplier networks, sophisticated customs regimes, and established track records of compliance, all of which are costly and time-consuming for latecomers to build. Countries that cannot effectively upgrade domestic capabilities risk being structurally excluded from the GVCs, while those who can stand to emerge as Additionally, countries' ability to secure preferential market access through an expanded network of FTAs will be critical. In an era of volatile global trade to major markets will remain attractive destinations for effciency-seeking FDl. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), rapid implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and new agreements like firms clearer rules, more reliable market access, and reduced policy uncertainty,