Trump’s Tariffs Complicate Costly Questions Over China Supply

News: President Donald Trump’s recent trade deals have set new tariff rates—20% for Vietnam and 19% for Indonesia and the Philippines—targeting Southeast Asia’s $352 billion exports to the U.S.

However, uncertainties remain around how the U.S. will define and enforce rules on transshipped goods to curb Chinese supply chain circumvention.

Goods with too much Chinese content face tariffs up to 40%, yet manufacturers lack clarity on thresholds for local content, materials, labor, and value-added requirements.

Countries like Vietnam are pushing for more local production, but with Chinese components comprising 60–70% of Southeast Asia’s exports, major supply chain shifts are needed. More specific rules are expected by August 1, when higher tariffs come into effect.