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South China Morning Post
32 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
As trade deals show, the US now seeks rent from Asean, not partnership
US President Donald Trump's return to tariff diplomacy is on full display in Southeast Asia as he boasts of trade deals with first Vietnam , then Indonesia . The region faces some of the world's steepest US tariffs come August 1, and many countries have rushed into last-minute talks to avoid economic fallout. Advertisement Trump has announced a 19 per cent tariff on all Indonesian goods entering the United States under a deal, down from 32 per cent, with Indonesia agreeing in return to buy 50 Boeing jets and spend US$19.5 billion on US energy and farm products – essentially prepaying for tariff relief. This mirrors Vietnam's deal of a 20 per cent tariff, down from 46 per cent, by essentially agreeing to curb Chinese transshipments. Since Trump launched his global tariff war in April, introducing a baseline 10 per cent and threatening additional tariffs unless countries negotiated US trade deals, few countries have signed up. Other than Vietnam and Indonesia, only Britain has a deal. Others, such as the European Union, are readying retaliatory measures even as they continue to negotiate a deal. For Southeast Asia, these arrangements signal a shift in the US trade strategy – one that threatens to turn Asean members from competitive manufacturing hubs into 'fee for access' economies. Washington isn't offering real integration or mutually beneficial trade. Instead, it's monetising market access, demanding higher tariffs and mandatory purchases. This transactional model may score short-term wins for US negotiators, but it undermines the competitiveness and sovereignty of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, tying the region into a rent-seeking system rather than a strategic partnership. Advertisement For starters, US tariffs on most Asean exports have risen dramatically, with access to the American market monetised under the guise of 'deals'. Even goods from Vietnam and Indonesia, which used to face most-favoured nation tariffs of 9.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively on average, now attract more than double that.
The Standard
2 hours ago
- The Standard
China's Zeekr says it did not sell or register zero-mileage used cars
The Zeekr EV car logo is displayed at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand, March 24, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Who is fashion designer Tamara Ralph's partner Bhanu Choudhrie? The entrepreneur and philanthropist is the son of controversial Indian billionaire Sudhir Choudhrie, and his divorce cost him millions
Australian designer Tamara Ralph, the visionary behind Meghan Markle's engagement photo dress, captivated the audience once again at Paris Haute Couture Week by dressing Hailee Steinfeld in a dazzling cut-out gown. Beyond her beloved designs, Ralph shares her life with UK-based Indian entrepreneur Bhanu Choudhrie, the founder of C&C Alpha Group and Alpha Aviation Group, and son of pioneering businessman Sudhir Choudhrie. Tamara Ralph often shares photos of Bhanu Choudhrie and her family on her Instagram. Photo: @tamararalphprivee/Instagram Advertisement Here's what to know about Bhanu Choudhrie, who was spotted in Paris supporting Ralph. His divorce in 2020 cost US$80 million Bhanu Choudhrie and Tamara Ralph have been dating since 2020 and have two daughters. Photo: @tamararalphprivee/Instagram In May 2020, the billionaire was ordered to pay a staggering £60 million (US$80 million) divorce settlement to his ex-wife, Simrin Bakshi, a former star of the reality show The Secret Millionaire. The news came just a week before Choudhrie's relationship with Ralph became public. Ralph and Choudhrie met at a networking event in Bordeaux organised by the Young Presidents' Organisation, which brings top executives and entrepreneurs together from around the world. The spark was immediate, and the couple soon welcomed their daughter, Haliya Choudhrie. By 2023, they were expecting another daughter. What does he do? Alpha Aviation Group Philippines, founded by Bhanu Choudhrie, and Avion Express Philippines are collaborating on comprehensive training and support for the Philippines' aviation sector. Photo: @ Choudhrie has a lot of responsibilities – he is the founder of the Choudhrie family's C&C Alpha Group, a London-based investment firm with interests in healthcare, aviation and hospitality. He also serves as the founder and director of its aviation-focused subsidiary, Alpha Aviation Group Ltd.
