U.S. Tariff Pressure Mounts as China Exports Hit Southeast Asia

ASEAN economies face rising trade deficits with China in 2025 as it fuel internal strain and external pressure ahead of a July 8 deadline.
Photo taken on July 9, 2024 shows containers stacked up at the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port New Container Terminal on the Mekong River in Kandal province. (Photo by Suy SE / AFP)

The United States is pressuring Vietnam to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in its exports to the U.S. market ahead of a July 8 tariff deadline, as redirected Chinese goods flood Southeast Asia and drive record trade deficits across the region, and fuel both internal economic pressures and growing U.S. trade demands.

As part of its decoupling strategy, Washington is pressing Hanoi to reduce Chinese content in high‑tech exports to the U.S. market, threatening tariffs of up to 46% if targets are not met.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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