How Asian countries are reacting to Trump's latest tariffs announcement as deadline looms

CNBC

2 days ago

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday stateside rejigged the so-called "reciprocal" tariff rates for several countries, ahead of the Friday deadline announced earlier.
The White House also announced a 40% tariff rate for all goods transshipped to avoid the applicable duties.
Countries not listed in the latest order will face an additional duty of 10%. The updated directive modifies tariffs imposed under the earlier executive order issued in April.
Here are reactions from world leaders and countries in Asia as the clock ticks down to the Aug. 1 deadline. It was not immediately clear if that date had been pushed back for the tariffs to kick in.
"This is a good news for the citizens and economy of Cambodia to continue developing the country." Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Friday on Facebook after the revised table of tariffs was released.
Cambodia now faces 19% duties, a massive cut from the "Liberation Day" tariff level of 49% — which were among the highest rates announced on April 2. Manet also thanked Trump for "initiating and pushing for ceasefire between [the] Cambodian army and Thai army." The two countries were involved in a border conflict last week.
Thailand's Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said in a post on X that the tariff rate levied on the country "reflects the close friendship and partnership between Thailand and the United States," according to a Google translation of his statement in Thai. The country faces 19% tariffs on exports to the U.S.
Chunhavajira added that the announced tariff helps Thailand remain competitive on the global stage, builds investor confidence and allows economic growth.
However, he said that the government recognizes the impact of the tariffs on entrepreneurs and farmers, and has prepared "comprehensive support measures," including soft loans, subsidies, and tax measures so as to help Thailand adapt.
Taiwan has been hit with a 20% "temporary tariff," President Lai Ching-te said on his Facebook page, adding that negotiations were still ongoing.
This is lower than the 32% rate announced on April 2. "If an agreement is reached, it can be expected that the tariff rate will be further reduced," Lai wrote on Friday.
Taiwan will also discuss supply chain cooperation and issues related to Section 232 in the future, he added, referring to the sectoral tariffs that Trump had imposed on national security grounds.