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As Trump plays tariffs hard ball, Asean has little choice but to play on
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Asean countries have been among the most proactive globally in engaging the Trump administration in negotiations.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
- Trump's 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
