U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new import tariff policy, effective from August 1, 2025, affecting 14 countries, including all ASEAN nations. This policy is part of his "retaliatory tariff" strategy, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, with tariffs subject to adjustment based on each country's bilateral relations with the United States. Vietnam's rate was reduced from the originally planned 46% to 20%, and it also agreed to impose a 40% tariff on products from third countries (such as China) transshipped through Vietnam to the U.S. Main exports include electronics, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products, with a trade deficit of $123.5 billion (highest among ASEAN). Through special agreements and production efficiency, Vietnam has strengthened its position in coffee and fisheries. Indonesia's rate was reduced from the initially announced 32% to 19%. Despite export growth, its export structure reliant on raw materials makes it vulnerable to U.S. tariff policies. Main exports include palm oil, cocoa, coffee, textiles, and semiconductors, with a trade deficit of $17.9 billion. It competes fiercely with Vietnam in the coffee sector and has potential in niche markets such as organic and sustainable coffee. Malaysia's rate of 25% is up from the 24% announced in April, and the government stated it will continue dialogue with the U.S., having scheduled a cabinet meeting to discuss follow-up measures. Main exports include electronics, semiconductors, and electrical products. Malaysia has successfully reduced its trade deficit and is considered capable of filling the gap left by China in the technology products market.
Thailand's rate remains relatively high at 36%. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that a new proposal has been submitted to the U.S., aiming to secure greater U.S. market access for Thai agricultural and industrial products, while increasing imports of U.S. energy and aircraft. Main exports include computer components, rubber products, and gemstones, with a trade deficit of $45.6 billion (second highest in ASEAN). The Philippines' rate rose from 17% to 20%, still lower than some other ASEAN countries. Main exports include electronics, machinery, apparel, and gold. Although its export scale is relatively small, a more competitive tariff keeps its products competitive in the U.S. market. Cambodia's rate was negotiated down from 49% to 36%, with chief negotiators calling on investors and workers in the garment industry to remain calm. Main exports include textiles, apparel, footwear, and bicycles. Approximately 1 million garment workers are affected by this policy, and the government has pledged to engage in new negotiations. Laos' rate was reduced from 48% to 40%, but it remains one of the highest-tariff countries in ASEAN. Main exports include textile fabric shoes, wooden furniture, electronic components, and fiber optics, with a trade deficit surge of 194.4%, facing significant export pressure. Myanmar's rate saw a slight reduction from 44% to 40%. The spokesperson for the Myanmar military government stated readiness to continue negotiations. Main exports include garments, leather goods, and seafood, facing immense challenges from domestic political and economic instability. Brunei's rate was raised from the previous 24% to 25%. Due to its reliance on energy and manufactured goods exports to the U.S., it is directly affected by tariffs. Main exports include mineral fuels and machinery. Singapore's rate was sharply increased from the previous 10% to 25%. Main exports include high-tech products and financial services. This substantial tariff hike has become a focal point in the stable trade relations between the U.S. and Singapore. This policy has significantly altered the landscape of ASEAN exports to the U.S., with Vietnam becoming the "biggest winner," while countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar must negotiate individually to maintain the competitiveness of their exports in the U.S. market.
U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new import tariff policy, effective from August 1, 2025, affecting 14 countries, including all ASEAN nations. This policy is part of his "retaliatory tariff" strategy, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, with tariffs subject to adjustment based on each country's bilateral relations with the United States. Vietnam's rate was reduced from the originally planned 46% to 20%, and it also agreed to impose a 40% tariff on products from third countries (such as China) transshipped through Vietnam to the U.S. Main exports include electronics, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products, with a trade deficit of $123.5 billion (highest among ASEAN). Through special agreements and production efficiency, Vietnam has strengthened its position in coffee and fisheries. Indonesia's rate was reduced from the initially announced 32% to 19%. Despite export growth, its export structure reliant on raw materials makes it vulnerable to U.S. tariff policies. Main exports include palm oil, cocoa, coffee, textiles, and semiconductors, with a trade deficit of $17.9 billion. It competes fiercely with Vietnam in the coffee sector and has potential in niche markets such as organic and sustainable coffee. Malaysia's rate of 25% is up from the 24% announced in April, and the government stated it will continue dialogue with the U.S., having scheduled a cabinet meeting to discuss follow-up measures. Main exports include electronics, semiconductors, and electrical products. Malaysia has successfully reduced its trade deficit and is considered capable of filling the gap left by China in the technology products market.
Thailand's rate remains relatively high at 36%. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that a new proposal has been submitted to the U.S., aiming to secure greater U.S. market access for Thai agricultural and industrial products, while increasing imports of U.S. energy and aircraft. Main exports include computer components, rubber products, and gemstones, with a trade deficit of $45.6 billion (second highest in ASEAN). The Philippines' rate rose from 17% to 20%, still lower than some other ASEAN countries. Main exports include electronics, machinery, apparel, and gold. Although its export scale is relatively small, a more competitive tariff keeps its products competitive in the U.S. market. Cambodia's rate was negotiated down from 49% to 36%, with chief negotiators calling on investors and workers in the garment industry to remain calm. Main exports include textiles, apparel, footwear, and bicycles. Approximately 1 million garment workers are affected by this policy, and the government has pledged to engage in new negotiations. Laos' rate was reduced from 48% to 40%, but it remains one of the highest-tariff countries in ASEAN. Main exports include textile fabric shoes, wooden furniture, electronic components, and fiber optics, with a trade deficit surge of 194.4%, facing significant export pressure. Myanmar's rate saw a slight reduction from 44% to 40%. The spokesperson for the Myanmar military government stated readiness to continue negotiations. Main exports include garments, leather goods, and seafood, facing immense challenges from domestic political and economic instability. Brunei's rate was raised from the previous 24% to 25%. Due to its reliance on energy and manufactured goods exports to the U.S., it is directly affected by tariffs. Main exports include mineral fuels and machinery. Singapore's rate was sharply increased from the previous 10% to 25%. Main exports include high-tech products and financial services. This substantial tariff hike has become a focal point in the stable trade relations between the U.S. and Singapore. This policy has significantly altered the landscape of ASEAN exports to the U.S., with Vietnam becoming the "biggest winner," while countries like Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar must negotiate individually to maintain the competitiveness of their exports in the U.S. market.