The United States expects to seal trade deals with more Southeast Asian countries in the coming months, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Wednesday during a meeting with regional counterparts in Kuala Lumpur.
Greer told economic ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that negotiations on tariff rates are progressing, with some agreements already announced and others set for completion “in the coming months or even weeks.”
Washington has imposed tariffs of 19% and 20% on most Southeast Asian economies. Laos and Myanmar face a 40% rate, while Singapore has a lower 10%. Agreements with Indonesia and Vietnam have been reached in principle, but final terms are still being negotiated.
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Vietnam, the sixth-largest exporter to the United States, could lose $25 billion annually under the 20% levy, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In a joint statement, ASEAN ministers warned that the tariff environment has created “adverse impact and uncertainty,” predicting slower trade in the second half of 2025. The bloc also raised concerns about rising protectionism and unilateral measures, saying they threaten global supply chain stability.
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Greer stressed that while the U.S. welcomes trade with ASEAN, it must be “balanced and reciprocal.”
“We believe there are many areas where our interests align, and we can work together to achieve shared goals of reciprocity and balance in the global trading system,” he said.
Greer’s meeting was his first with ASEAN ministers, who have so far engaged individually with Washington on tariffs. However, the threat of higher levies on key sectors such as semiconductors may push the bloc to adopt a more unified stance.
Last month, President Donald Trump announced a potential 100% tariff on semiconductors, exempting only firms that manufacture in the U.S. or have pledged to do so.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
