‘Win-win’ and still pushing: reactions to Trump tariffs

Some nations reacted with relief Friday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that in some cases were lower than threatened, and delayed by a week to August 7.

But others — including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan — still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars.

Trump’s announcement does not cover export giant China — currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of an August 12 deadline — but here is how other economies reacted:

The 19 percent levy for Thailand and Cambodia — fresh from border clashes that killed over 40 people — is a let-off from the threatened 36 percent.

Thailand called it a “major success” and a “win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand’s export base and long-term economic stability.”

The US trade deficit with Thailand hit $45.6 billion in 2024. Its main exports include machinery, vehicles and auto components.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called it “the best news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue to develop the country.”

The major manufacturer of low-cost clothing for Western brands was initially menaced with a tariff of 40 percent.

Neighbouring Vietnam concluded an agreement with Washington at the beginning of July on a rate reduced to 20 percent.

But Washington also intends to impose a 40 percent surcharge on goods transported to the United States via third countries — known as transshipments.

This could hurt in particular nations in Southeast Asia, whose production chains are closely linked to China.

Many Cambodian factories, for example, are Chinese-owned and the White House has accused the kingdom of allowing Chinese goods to stop over on the way to US markets, skirting steeper rates imposed on Beijing.

Experts however are unclear on how Washington will define these “transshipment” goods.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called its 20 percent tariff announced by Trump “temporary... with the possibility of further reductions should an agreement be reached.”

The US president had threatened to hit the island with a 32 percent tax and possible duties on the island’s huge semiconductors shipments.

Soaring demand for Taiwan’s AI chips industry has fueled its trade surplus with Washington, putting it in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff blitz.

Washington “needs Taiwan in supporting resilient supply chains, in supporting manufacturing and some high-end technologies,” Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said recently.

Switzerland expressed “great regret” that it was hit with 39 percent — up from the threatened 31 percent — despite its “very constructive position.”

The levy — more than double the European Union’s 15 percent — appeared to catch the rich Alpine nation off guard.

Switzerland ranks sixth in terms of direct investment in the United States, with pharma giants Roche and Novartis announcing major spending plans in recent months.

A tariff of 15 percent agreed last week between Japan and Washington — down from a threatened 25 percent — is due to be applied from August 7.

But Japanese auto exports were already being hit by a 25 percent rate, and Tokyo wants to know when this will be lowered too.

“We continue to urge the US to take prompt measures to implement the agreement, including lowering tariffs on automobile and auto parts,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday.

Confusion also surrounds Trump’s claim that Japan — as a “signing bonus” — will invest $550 billion in America, which will recoup 90 percent of the profits.

Malaysia also achieved a lower tariff of 19 percent — down from 25 percent — which the government called a “positive outcome.”

“This decision by the United States reflects the strong and enduring economic ties between our two nations,” Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.

Sri Lanka also expressed relief that it will face a 20-percent hit, a sharp reduction from the 44 percent originally floated, and expressed hope of a further cut.

“We are happy that our competitiveness in exports to the US has been retained,” finance ministry official Harshana Suriyapperuma told reporters.

Around 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s $5.0 billion of garment exports last year went to the United States.