梁丹媚：遭越南“背刺”，印尼和美国谈判关税时陷入两难

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant shift in the U.S. geopolitical economic strategy under the Trump administration, characterized by unprecedented tariffs aimed at reshaping global supply chains, curbing China's influence, and re-establishing U.S. economic dominance [1][5]. Tariff Impact - The scale of the tariff measures is alarming, with proposed tariffs of 46% on Vietnamese exports, 49% on Cambodian goods, 36% on Thai products, 32% on Indonesian items, and 24% on Malaysian exports [2][4]. - Following the announcement, Southeast Asian currencies such as the Thai baht and Malaysian ringgit experienced sharp declines, leading to significant market volatility [4]. Trade Balance and Strategy - The U.S. claims these tariffs are a response to "unfair trade practices," yet many ASEAN countries are sources of substantial U.S. trade surpluses, with a total trade volume of $476.8 billion in 2024, including $352.3 billion in exports from ASEAN to the U.S. [4][5]. - Analysts suggest that the true aim of the tariffs is to economically compel Southeast Asian nations to decouple from China, making their ties with China less economically viable [5][6]. Political Leverage - The U.S. strategy is described as using international trade as a tool for political coercion, effectively weaponizing trade to achieve its geopolitical objectives [6]. - The uncertainty surrounding the implementation of these tariffs serves as a strategic weapon, creating confusion and anxiety among targeted nations and businesses, thereby maximizing U.S. leverage in negotiations [7]. ASEAN's Response - ASEAN's collective response to the U.S. tariffs has been weak, with member states unable to form a unified front against U.S. unilateralism, leading to a situation where individual countries seek bilateral negotiations with the U.S. [10][11]. - The establishment of a "Vietnam precedent," where Vietnam negotiated a reduction in tariffs from 46% to 20%, has shifted the focus of other ASEAN countries from collective resistance to individual negotiations, fostering competition among them [13][14].