In Asia, the ripple effects of U.S. trade policy shifts are being felt acutely across key business travel hubs like Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), inbound business travel from the U.S. to Asia dropped by 17% in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The uncertainty surrounding visa approvals, coupled with rising airfare costs due to tariff-fueled airline disputes, has made it harder for Asian businesses to schedule in-person meetings with U.S. partners. “We’re seeing American executives cancel or delay travel, especially to markets like Vietnam and China,” noted a regional travel manager in Singapore, speaking to trends highlighted in PATA’s quarterly report.

Asian business travelers, much like their counterparts in Europe, Canada, and Australia, are increasingly uneasy about the prospect of traveling to the United States.

In early 2025, Asia’s business travel sector, once poised for a robust post-pandemic recovery, is encountering significant headwinds due to recent U.S. trade tariffs and stringent border policies. Surveys from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) indicate that over one-third of global travel managers anticipate a substantial decline in business travel volumes this year, with nearly 30% expecting a 20% decrease in spending.

The economic impact goes beyond missed meetings. In South Korea, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) reports a 12% decrease in exports to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2025, attributing part of the decline to logistical disruptions and fewer business development trips. Meanwhile, Japanese firms with U.S. operations are revising forecasts downward. “The unpredictability is costly,” said a spokesperson from a Tokyo-based auto parts exporter. “We’ve postponed two planned expansions in Michigan simply because we don’t know if our executives will be able to enter the country or face new tariffs next month.”

The World Bank has warned that proposed U.S. tariffs could reduce global economic growth by 0.3 percentage points in 2025 if trading partners retaliate . This economic uncertainty is prompting Asian corporations to reassess their international travel strategies, with some considering alternative markets or virtual engagements to mitigate risks. 

In North America, the impact is evident. Detroit has experienced a significant drop in Canadian visitors, attributed to escalating political tensions and tariffs introduced during the Trump era. Border crossings into Detroit dropped 13% in February and March compared to the previous year, and flight bookings between Canada and the U.S. for April through September are down over 70% .

While U.S. policies create doubt for Asian travelers, they’re also causing economic consequences for American companies. According to sources cited by Bloomberg News, access to China—the world’s second-largest aviation market and a central focus of Trump’s trade policies—has effectively stalled, as the Chinese government has reportedly instructed its airlines to halt deliveries of all Boeing aircraft.

As Asia navigates these challenges, the need for clear policies, strategic planning, and international collaboration becomes increasingly critical to ensure the resilience and sustainability of business travel in the years ahead.