ARTICLES

29 Aug 2025

Will Southeast Asian Exporters ‘Eat’ the Trump Tariffs?

Jayant Menon

Facing Trump’s latest round of tariffs, Southeast Asian exports face a dilemma. But the incentive to “eat” or absorb the tariffs might diminish over time.

7 Aug 2025

How China Might Retaliate Against Southeast Asia’s US Trade Deals

Olivia Tan Jia Yi

Southeast Asia has more clarity on US tariffs and trade conditions, but China’s reaction looms on the horizon. The region's position is particularly precarious because China wields substantial leverage across lending, investment, and trade.

ASEAN-China Relations International Trade

23 Jul 2025

Trump’s Tariff Deals With Southeast Asia: It’s Complicated

Stephen Olson

Given current information available regarding the US’ tariff regime towards countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia, it is hard to assess which regional countries will come up tops in the ongoing saga.

ASEAN-US Relations International Trade Trade US

29 Apr 2025

The Sino-US Trade War Presents Hard Choices for Southeast Asia

John Lee

In the ensuing Sino-US trade war, China, to use Trump’s lingo, has more cards to play than its economic rival.

China-U.S. Relations International Trade Trade US

28 Apr 2025

With Trump’s Coercive Tariffs Paused, Will ASEAN Collective Action Work?

Lee Hwok-Aun

While the potential for joint action may be limited, current circumstances demand that the regional bloc expand its horizons.

ASEAN ASEAN-US Relations International Trade Trade

15 Apr 2025

Vietnam’s 46 Per Cent Tariff Shock: A Catalyst for Economic Reform?

Nguyen Hong Thach

Vietnam has in the past embraced reform under pressure. The Trump tariff shock should spur reforms, particularly in reducing non-tariff barriers.

International Trade Tariffs US Vietnam

4 Apr 2025

Trump’s ‘Liberation’ Day Unlikely to End Well for Southeast Asia — or Anyone

Stephen Olson

Trump’s “Liberation” day tariffs will hit Southeast Asia hard. Countries can hold firm and adopt appropriate countermeasures, or cut “deals” in order to reduce or eliminate the tariffs. Neither option bodes well.

ASEAN-US Relations International Trade US

25 Mar 2025

Can Vietnam Dodge the US Tariff Bullet?

Nguyen Hong Thach

Vietnam has done almost everything necessary to preclude the possibility of the US slapping tariffs on its exports. The question is whether this would be enough.

International Trade Trade U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam

20 Feb 2025

Southeast Asia must Prepare for Trump’s ‘Everything’s on the Table’ Approach to Trade

Stephen Olson

Southeast Asia was spared in the initial flurry of Trumpian trade actions, but Trump’s introduction of expansive and unprecedented non-trade issues into trade relations will inevitably entangle the region.

ASEAN-US Relations Donald Trump International Trade Tariffs Trade US

22 Jan 2025

Will Southeast Asian Countries Pass the US’ Heightened Export Controls?

Maria Monica Wihardja|George Tan

Tightened controls on exports of advanced technologies with US-origin components or technologies will affect key semiconductor-related manufacturing sectors. Southeast Asia can respond with short, medium, and long-run strategies.

China International Trade Southeast Asia Tariffs US