As Trump plays tariffs hard ball vexed Asean countries have little choice but to play on
For subscribers
News analysis
As Trump plays tariffs hard ball, Asean has little choice but to play on
Sign up now: Get STs newsletters delivered to your inbox
alt="(FILES) US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled Make America Wealthy Again at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. A US federal court on May 28 blocked Donald Trumps Liberation Day import tariffs from going into effect, ruling that the president had overstepped his authority with the across-the-board levies. Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on most trading partners on April 2, with a baseline 10 percent, plus steeper duties on China and the European Union. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)"/>Asean countries have been among the most proactive globally in engaging the Trump administration in negotiations.
PHOTO: AFP
alt=avatar-alt/>Philip Wen
TariffsSummary
Summary- Trumps tariff letters to South-east Asian countries show no pattern, raising concerns about the value of trade negotiations with the US.
- Vietnam secured tariff reductions by lowering their own tariffs and pledging concessions, offering a possible path forward.
- The US is using trade negotiations to pressure South-east Asian countries to reduce trade with China and curb trans-shipping practices.
AI generated
BANGKOK – A few South-east Asian countries are likely feeling justifiably frustrated that the thousands of collective hours poured into engaging in good-faith trade negotiations with the United States have apparently made little difference – at least for now.
That is the logical conclusion if US President Donald Trump’s tariff letters, posted on social media
أرسل هذا الخبر لأصدقائك على