US trade reset redraws Asia’s strategic map

3 min read trade, ASEAN, tariffs, US–Asia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Thailand, 2025

Washington’s new tariff schedule lowers duties on Vietnam, Indonesia, and others while unexpectedly raising rates on the Philippines, redrawing Asia’s trade dynamics.

Singapore-US tariff talks stall, as ASEAN peers gain ground

The lack of movement in the US contrasts with the global economic superpower's ongoing engagement with Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, which are reportedly in early-stage talks on tariff exemptions under the same regime.

Malaysia tightens US AI chip exports amid China scrutiny

3 min read SEA, AI chips, Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Strategic Trade Act 2010, China, ASEAN, Donald Trump, tariffs, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Singaporean Trade and Industry Ministry, Vietnamese Information and Communications Ministry, logistics, customs

“This is a safeguard to protect Malaysia’s status as a responsible trade partner,” the ministry said in a statement issued on 14 July. “Firms found violating these controls will face legal action.”

EU, Indonesia strike trade deal

2 min read Indonesia, European Commission, Prabowo Subianto, CEPA, Schengen, Ursula von der Leyen, tariffs, SEA, ASEAN, EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Valdis Dombrovskis, China, Palm oil, sustainable development, digital trade

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto described the deal as a win for economic sovereignty. “We agreed to deepen the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA to open up greater opportunities for sustainable trade and investment in the country,” Subianto wrote on Facebook.