New US tariffs draw regional reactions across Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific nations have responded to the United States’ newly announced tariffs with mixed views, with several countries welcoming reductions secured through negotiations, while others criticised the move as punitive and unfair, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order modifying tariff rates for dozens of countries, ahead of his self-imposed Aug 1 trade deal deadline.

Taiwan described the new 20 percent US tariff on its goods as “provisional”, with President Lai Ching-te expressing hope that the rate would be lowered in a final agreement.

He noted that both sides had completed technical consultations while protecting Taiwan’s national and industrial interests, said AA.

Thailand welcomed the tariff cut to 19 percent from a previously proposed 36 percent, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira saying the move reflects a strong US-Thailand partnership and will bolster economic growth.

Cambodia, which previously faced a 49 percent tariff, welcomed the reduced 19 percent rate, while also revealing a purchase of 10 Boeing aircraft from the US.

Bangladesh successfully negotiated its tariff down to 20 percent from a proposed 35 percent.

"That’s good news for our apparel sector and the millions who depend on it," said Bangladesh Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman.

N Zealand unhappy

New Zealand, however, criticised the 15 percent tariff imposed on its exports, calling it “unwarranted”.

Trade Minister Todd McClay told Radio New Zealand (RNZ) that his country was being unfairly penalised over a relatively small trade imbalance with the US, AA added.

Under the new order, the US imposed varied tariffs on several Asia-Pacific nations; 15 percent on Afghanistan, 20 percent on Bangladesh, 25 percent on Brunei, 19 percent on Cambodia, 25 percent on India, 19 percent on Indonesia, 15 percent on Japan, 40 percent on Laos, and 15 percent on Fiji.

Tariffs were also set at 19 percent on Malaysia, 40 percent on Myanmar, 15 percent on New Zealand, 19 percent on Pakistan, 15 percent on Papua New Guinea, 19 percent on the Philippines, 15 percent on South Korea, 20 percent on Sri Lanka, 19 percent on Thailand, and 20 percent on Vietnam.

- Bernama

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