Asia-Pacific nations scramble to dodge Trump’s trade tariff tantrum
A tariff tsunami unleashed by US President Donald Trump is sending shockwaves across the Asia-Pacific, as countries scramble to dodge his trade tariff tantrum. While the 10% baseline tariffs kicked in on Saturday, April 5, even steeper charges are set to hit some nations from Wednesday and reactions range from furious to fretful.
But rather than hitting back, many Asia-Pacific nations are biting their tongues and begging for mercy.
Australia has refused to retaliate, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese branding Trump’s move a “poor decision.”
Bangladesh is pleading for dialogue with Washington, fearful the tariffs could batter its US$40 billion garment industry. Brunei’s finance ministry is also deep in talks with US officials, desperate for clarity.
Cambodia is slashing tariffs on 19 categories of American imports, from a hefty 35% down to 5%, in a bid to appease the Trump administration, while still requesting a delay on the new levies.
China, however, is playing hardball. It’s set to whack a 34% tariff on US goods starting Thursday, April 10, alongside sweeping restrictions including export controls on 16 American firms.
Hong Kong, which lost its special trading privileges thanks to its tighter ties with Beijing, is keeping calm for now with Financial Secretary Paul Chan confirming no countermeasures are planned.
Fiji is quietly negotiating, India is angling for a new bilateral deal, and Indonesia is dispatching a delegation to Washington, while teaming up with Malaysia for a joint response.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wants a heart-to-heart with Trump, insisting retaliation isn’t in Tokyo’s interests.
Kazakhstan is entering talks, Malaysia is calling for a united ASEAN front, and Myanmar is too busy with earthquake recovery to retaliate.
New Zealand is steering clear of tariffs to avoid fuelling inflation, and Pakistan is sending its own mission to Washington. The Philippines, meanwhile, hopes a bilateral free-trade agreement will smooth things over.
Singapore is sticking with diplomacy, even though it’s technically entitled to retaliate under a free-trade deal, and South Korea is sending its trade minister to hash it out with the Yanks.
Sri Lanka has set up a crisis committee, and Taiwan is playing the long game, using the situation to strengthen trade ties with the US. It’s rolled out a NT$88 billion (US$2.7 billion) aid package to cushion local businesses.
Thailand is sending Deputy PM Pichai Chunhavajira to the US with an olive branch, proposing to up its imports of US goods and cut down on its role as a transit point for American-bound products, reported Bangkok Post
Vietnam has offered to scrap tariffs on US goods altogether and is pleading for a delay to the new rules.
Other areas slapped with the Trump tax include Laos (48%), Nauru (30%), and Norfolk Island (29%).
And in a twist worthy of satire, North Korea, of all places, has dodged the tariff list altogether.
As the world watches Trump’s latest trade tantrum unfold, one thing’s clear: no one wants to be caught in the crossfire of a tariff-happy tycoon.
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