US President Donald Trump has intensified tariff measures in a bid to clamp down on tariff circumvention through Southeast Asia and other third-party locations. His latest actions, aimed at closing long-standing loopholes, have disrupted global solar supply chains and intensified scrutiny on countries serving as intermediaries for Chinese-made products. The new strategy follows years of limited success from previous trade wars and marks a more aggressive posture on trade enforcement

China and Vietnam signed dozens of cooperation agreements during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he aimed to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia on his first overseas trip of the year

Vietnam, historically a significant beneficiary of the "China +1" strategy, finds itself between pressure from the US and political ties with China. It was the first to engage in reciprocal tariff talks with the US, but was also featured in Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent diplomatic visit. The US's planned 46% reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese exports, paused for 90 days by President Donald Trump, raises questions about Vietnam's role as a tech manufacturing hub, as noted by Rest of World

According to Nikkei, Japanese electronic components manufacturer Meiko announced a JPY50 billion (US$348.82 million) investment to establish a new factory in Hoa Binh, northern Vietnam. The facility is slated to begin mass production of advanced electronic substrates for Apple's iPhone by the fiscal year 2026 (April 2026 to March 2027)

China is navigating the complexities of ongoing trade tensions with the US by employing a dual strategy of diplomatic engagement and strategic countermeasures. President Xi Jinping has taken a proactive role in fostering international trade relations, emphasizing the detrimental effects of tariff conflicts, while simultaneously addressing the practical challenges posed by US trade policies

US tariff policy uncertainties have created challenges and opportunities for international manufacturers. Companies in countries with lower reciprocal tariffs enjoy a competitive edge. Sercomm, a networking equipment manufacturer, has found its production strategy advantageous amid the tariff volatility. The company, which concentrates approximately 60% of its production in the Philippines for the North American market, benefits from the Philippines' relatively lower tariff rate of 17%, compared to the potential 46% rate for Vietnam

The reciprocal tariff measures implemented by US President Donald Trump officially took effect at 12:01 PM Taiwan time on April 9. Taiwanese manufacturers in Southeast Asia have become severely affected, with tax rates in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia reaching as high as 37% to 49%

The Trump administration has fully suspended its recently announced reciprocal tariffs on Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand for 90 days, while simultaneously increasing tariffs on China to 145%. This suspension was implemented within 24 hours of the original tariff announcement

Taiwanese networking devices provider Accton Technology has reported a surge in revenue, driven by escalating demand for AI accelerators. The company's first-quarter performance reflects the burgeoning AI market's impact, though US tariffs cast a shadow over prospects

Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) has launched a new manufacturing plant in Perlis, Malaysia, for Jabil Circuit, a Fortune 500 company, marking a key milestone in the company's diversification strategy

Since taking office, President Trump has positioned tariffs as both a strategic tool for national security and a means to bolster the US economy. The ongoing tariffs on Asian nations are just the beginning, with expectations of further actions against these countries in the future. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific stock markets have hit a significant low, and national crises are unfolding across the region. How these countries respond will be pivotal not only for their economic stability but also for the global supply chain and the broader world economy

Touch panel manufacturers in Taiwan are navigating a complex landscape of US tariffs and fluctuating market demands. Young Fast Optoelectronics acknowledges the potential impact of proposed US reciprocal tariffs, though the extent remains unclear. While direct shipments from its Vietnam and Taiwan facilities to the US are minimal, the company faces potential disruption through its customer base, which assembles components for the American market. As of now, order volumes remain stable, making it difficult to quantify the potential disruption

Following the announcement of the reciprocal tariff policy by US President Donald Trump, South Korean companies are thoroughly reviewing their supply chains and formulating countermeasures. Enterprises with production bases in China and Vietnam may face direct impacts, raising public concern

Vietnam faces a 46% US tariff, prompting urgent negotiations and a 45-day delay request. The government seeks balanced trade, boosting US imports and reducing duties on key American goods while diversifying its export markets to mitigate economic impact, according to The Investor, Reuters, and Camodianess