The United States (US) has reduced tariff rates for Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia to 19% following a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia brokered with Malaysian mediation and US support, enabling President Donald Trump to claim a peacekeeping success. The reductions, confirmed in an executive order issued on 01 August and effective from 7 August, followed trade talks in which all three countries offered concessions to the US, including increased market access and, in Malaysia’s case, the elimination of tariffs on selected US agricultural products and facilitation of halal meat imports. Malaysia had previously faced a 25% rate, Cambodia 49% (then 36%), and Thailand 36%. Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister stated the ceasefire discussions between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump contributed to the revised rate, though Malaysia maintained firm positions on excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and automotives, foreign equity caps, and digital laws. The Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam had earlier secured rates of 19–20%, while Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar saw no change. Analysts said the tariff reductions were influenced by both geopolitical considerations and reciprocal trade liberalisation. Experts highlighted that the timing, regional diplomacy, and transactional trade approach were central to the outcome, with Washington aiming to counter China’s influence in the region. Cambodian leaders publicly credited Trump’s intervention for averting industry collapse, while Thai officials emphasised the deal's role in sustaining export competitiveness. (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 01 agosto 2025, Kuala Lumpur