US Lowers Tariffs to 19% on Multiple Asia-Pacific Economies

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariff rates up to 41 percent on numerous global economies, but many Asia-Pacific countries secured reduced tariffs, providing some relief amid trade uncertainties. Southeast Asian nations including Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines face tariffs around 19 percent, significantly lower than initially threatened rates, which should help maintain their competitiveness and support economic growth. Malaysia's tariff reduction from 25 to 19 percent is expected to boost exports, attract foreign investment, and aid industrial development in regions like Sarawak. However, countries like India face higher US tariffs at 25 percent, with pharmaceuticals and energy products now included under the tariff regime, potentially harming their competitiveness. Despite these tariff adjustments, concerns remain over the full impact and ongoing trade uncertainties, as well as the effectiveness of accompanying domestic reforms to maximize benefits from improved market access. Analysts suggest that while ASEAN countries benefit from lower tariffs than China, uncertainties about rules of origin and sector-specific tariffs persist, influencing regional trade dynamics and multinational corporate decisions.