Vietnam and Malaysia are among the Asian countries expected to benefit the most from the US-China trade war. New opportunities will open up for exporters in these countries as American and Chinese importers will look for alternative suppliers. Vietnam and Malaysia will benefit particularly in low-end manufacturing of information and communications technology products, such as intermediate components and manufacturing of consumer goods like mobile phones and laptops. Malaysia's ICT industry is well-poised to gain from the shift in trade, partly owing to its strong logistics network and a good business environment.

Both Malaysia and Vietnam have a strong road, rail and port infrastructure, which has in turn helped to develop strong local logistics and shipping networks to support merchandise trade. The positive business environment in Malaysia (an existing clear and stable system for corporate law) and Vietnam (strong investment promotion policies via new special economic zones) will make these two countries even more attractive for companies that are considering them as potential locations for investments.

Within Asia, apart from Malaysia and Vietnam, the likes of India, Indonesia and Thailand may also stand to gain. The ongoing tiff has seen the two economic superpowers so far imposing trade tariffs or taxes amounting to around 360 billion dollars on merchandise between them.