Trump's return could increase tariffs, impacting China and Asean alike

There has been much speculation about the consequences of Donald Trump’s return as President of the US. Among the most talked about issues is the US trade policy and the likely imposition of higher tariffs (potentially up to 60 per cent) on China. Bilateralism and the violation of multilateral norms in the conduct of US trade policy with its partners are no longer new. However, a steep and selective increase in protective tariffs and an inherent disdain for institutions under Trump 2.0 is likely to create particularly difficult circumstances for Asean economies.

 

Containment of China has long been a centrepiece