The Pacific Rim is a dynamic and diverse economic region, containing the world's three largest economies (US, China, and Japan), as well as many of the world's fastest growing and emerging market economies. Trans-Pacific economic exchange, including trade and capital movements, has been an important driver of the world economy, simultaneosly contributing to growth and global imbalances. Within the Asia-Pacific region there has been an increase in trade and investment, as well as the development of value chain linkages through outsourcing and foreign direct investment. The new debate in this region centers around managing this economic integration and the vagaries of globalization while supporting continued high growth.

The Oxford Handbook of the Economics of the Pacific Rim provides institutional and historical perspectives on the Pacific Rim's unique economic situation, considers various dimensions of economic policies, and examines the growth process and specific challenges to growth. It discusses the key theme of regional economic integration in its many dimensions, including trade, investment, monetary coordination, crisis management, and value networks.