Fri Apr 11 07:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Tariffs Pummel Southeast Asia, Threatening Economic Growth and Political Stability

**Bangkok, Thailand** – President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs have dealt a severe blow to Southeast Asia, impacting the region far more significantly than any area outside of China. Vietnam and Cambodia are hardest hit, facing tariffs of 46% and 49% respectively on their exports to the US. Other nations in the region, including Thailand (36%), Indonesia (32%), and Malaysia (24%), also experience substantial tariffs.

The impact is devastating for a region whose economic growth over the past three decades has been largely fueled by exports to the US, which account for roughly 30% of Vietnam’s and 25% of Cambodia’s GDP. This reliance leaves these nations particularly vulnerable to the new trade restrictions.

Vietnam, aiming for ambitious economic growth targets and seeking to balance relations with both the US and China, is scrambling to mitigate the damage. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc has traveled to Washington to negotiate, offering to eliminate all tariffs on US imports. However, senior Trump advisor Peter Navarro dismissed this offer, citing a significant US trade deficit with Vietnam and alleging widespread trans-shipment of Chinese goods through Vietnam to circumvent tariffs.

Thailand, while less reliant on US exports than Vietnam, is also struggling economically and cannot afford further setbacks. The Thai government is seeking to boost growth but faces an uphill battle with the new tariffs.

In Cambodia, the tariffs pose a significant political threat. The already authoritarian Hun Manet government, which relies on economic concessions to maintain power, faces potential unrest as garment sector jobs – a crucial social safety valve – are jeopardized by the new measures. Cambodia has also appealed for a postponement of the tariffs.

While Southeast Asian nations are officially urging negotiation rather than retaliation, the Trump administration appears unyielding. Even Myanmar, embroiled in civil war, is hit with a 44% tariff, further impacting its fragile economy.

The tariffs represent a stark reversal from the previously positive perception of Trump in the region, where his tough stance on trade was once admired. Now, several nations find themselves pleading with the US president to ease the burden of tariffs that threaten their economic stability and political landscapes.

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