SE Asia scrambles to respond to new US tariffs

Vietnam will form a task force to address steep US tariffs, while other Southeast Asian nations plan talks with Washington after being hit by some of the highest levies under U.S. President Donald Trump. Six of nine ASEAN nations targeted face tariffs of 32% to 49%, compared to 20% for the EU. Vietnam and Thailand, major exporters benefiting from supply chain shifts out of China, are among those affected. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the country’s 8% growth target remains unchanged. Leif Schneider of law firm Luther warned the 46% tariff could threaten Vietnam’s export-led model. Vietnam has previously made concessions to avoid tariffs and is expected to do more. AmCham Hanoi’s Adam Sitkoff said negotiations to mitigate the impact are ongoing.