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The Philippines is negotiating with the US to lower a 12.5% tariff on its exports, submitting a joint administrative order to demonstrate commitment to eliminating forced labour through stricter enforcement and legal frameworks.
Indonesia's exporters face mounting pressure from US tariffs and competitors enjoying lower duties and cheaper operating costs. Policymakers warn that without securing tariff exemptions and reducing domestic business costs, the nation risks losing market share in labour-intensive industries.
New US Section 301 tariffs will have limited immediate impact on Southeast Asian exporters due to broad exemptions, but uncertainty over ongoing investigations and future measures keeps trade risks elevated across the region.
Malaysia has been assigned to the lower tariff bracket under US Section 301 measures, facing a 10% duty instead of 12.5%. The country's commitment to forced labour prevention laws influenced the decision.
Singapore joins 45 countries facing a new 12.5% US tariff following a White House investigation into forced labour compliance. About one-third of Singapore's exports to America will be affected by the measure.
The United States has announced additional tariffs of 10 to 12.5 per cent on 60 trading partners, including Malaysia, for inadequately enforcing bans on goods produced with forced labour. The action marks a significant shift toward unilateral enforcement.
The United States has finalised tariffs of up to 12.5 percent on South Korea, Japan and dozens of other trading partners over forced labour concerns, following investigations into 60 economies.
South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan is visiting Washington this week to meet senior US officials and discuss trade, investment, and energy cooperation. The trip comes as Seoul prepares for potential additional US tariffs linked to a forced labour investigation.
India has enacted a ban on importing goods manufactured through forced labour, aiming to shield itself from threatened US tariffs of up to 12.5 per cent. The policy takes effect after 30 days.