ARTICLES

19 Jun 2026

Malaysia Should Channel US Trade Representative Section 301 Pressure Into Forced Labour Compliance

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia should take decisive action in response to the US’ tariff threat for failing to prohibit imports made with forced labour. Eliminating such imports is in everyone’s best interest.

17 Apr 2026

Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs: Calm Before Another Storm?

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia has declared the ART null and void while the US is deploying new tariff instruments, creating uncertainty over new agreements. Malaysia should rebalance lopsided terms – and reduce its exposure to the US market.

Malaysia Malaysia-US Relations Tariffs

24 Mar 2026

Iran War Holds Trade Implications for Southeast Asia

Stephen Olson

The economic fallout of the war, coupled with Trump’s self-preservation instincts, could induce a partial climbdown on tariffs—but Section 301 and other tariffs are under way and might endure.

Tariffs Trade US

9 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court and Trump’s Tariffs: Restrained or Resurgent?

Stephen Olson

Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok-Aun speaks with Stephen Olson, Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, on the implications of the US Supreme Court declaring Trump’s IEEPA-based tariffs illegal.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Southeast Asia Tariffs Trade US

25 Feb 2026

Implications of the Supreme Court Tariff Ruling on Southeast Asia

Stephen Olson

The Supreme Court has struck down President Trump’s IEEPA reciprocal tariffs, but the practical outcome on Southeast Asia is likely to be negligible. Further complications arise from his reimposition of tariffs through other means and the potential political fallout in his party.

Tariffs Trade US

20 Nov 2025

Southeast Asian Countries Engaging in Export Circumvention: Not So Fast

Archanun Kohpaiboon|Ratchanon Ketramrit

The Trump administration has threatened to levy an additional 40 per cent reciprocal tariffs on transshipments to the US. The logic for doing this is not so clear cut.

China Economy Southeast Asia Tariffs Trade US

11 Nov 2025

Amid the Uncertainty of US Tariffs, Asian Exporters Are Forging Ahead

Jayant Menon

Amid the gloom brought about by the US’ reciprocal tariffs, there appears to be a glimmer of hope for Asian exporters.

Economy Southeast Asia Tariffs US

10 Nov 2025

Unfinished Business: Why Thailand’s Tariff Talks Are a Diplomatic Test

Pongkwan Sawasdipakdi

The Thai government is focused on dealing with the repercussions of the US tariffs on the country. It needs to craft a broader foreign policy narrative.

Tariffs Thai Economy Thai Politics Thailand U.S.-Thailand Relations US

3 Oct 2025

Trump’s Tariffs and China’s Subsidies: Southeast Asia Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Deasy Pane

Despite the US’ Liberation Day tariffs, exports from many countries continue to be sustained. In particular, China’s exports to Southeast Asia continue to grow, thanks to market orientation and state subsidies.

China Southeast Asia Tariffs US

20 Aug 2025

Trump’s Tariffs Take Effect – What Now?

Stephen Olson

Fulcrum editor Lee Hwok Aun speaks with Stephen Olson, Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, on making sense of the Trump tariffs and thinking through the unpredictabilities.

Dialogues at Fulcrum Southeast Asia Tariffs Trade US