Commentary

President Trump Signs New Executive Orders At The White House

Retaliation and Negotiation, Asia Responds to Tariff Implementation

Key Takeaways

Retaliation: China stands unique among Indo-Pacific countries with the highest tariff rate of 145 percent while others have been paused at 10 percent for 90 days. China is also the only country in the region that has chosen to economically retaliate against U.S. tariffs, escalating the tensions into a trade war.

Negotiation: Most other Indo-Pacific economies are prioritizing negotiation with the United States, offering trade concessions and increased U.S. purchases to secure tariff relief. For example, Taiwan pledged USD 200 billion in new U.S. purchases, Japan signaled USD 1 trillion in U.S. investments, while Vietnam offered reductions on tariffs on U.S. goods.

Adaptation: Countries are also adapting to the changing trade environment and market fluctuations following the tariff announcements, both reciprocal tariffs as well as earlier autos and steel and aluminum tariffs. Economic interventions to date include South Korea’s expanded export vouchers and policy financing for the auto sector, India’s interest rate cut to 6 percent, and the Philippines’ introduction of stock market stabilization measures.

Photo: by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Related Posts

TAG Chairman Dr. Kurt Campbell Speaks to Nikkei in a Wide-Ranging Interview
For Kurt Campbell, the former U.S. deputy secretary of state and long-time Asia hand, one challenge stands out in a ...
TAG Managing Director & Co-Chair of Digital Practice, George Chen, Spoke to the South China Morning Post on U.S.-China AI Competition
TAG Managing Director & Co-Chair of Digital Practice, George Chen, spoke to the South China Morning Post on U.S.-China AI ...
TAG Managing Partner Amb. Kurt Tong Writes on why U.S. Tariffs Weaken Washington’s Strategic Position Vis-A-Vis China
Think of the US-China contest as geopolitics on a chessboard, but not the game of kings and pawns. Rather, consider ...
The Asia Group Expands Korea Practice with Seoul Office
Washington, DC; Seoul, South Korea | April 21, 2025 – The Asia Group (TAG) is proud to announce the launch ...
Scroll to Top

You Are Applying For:

Retaliation and Negotiation, Asia Responds to Tariff Implementation

Apply Now

Submit the details below, and our HR team member will get in touch with you shortly.

The Asia Group is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. The Asia Group continually seeks to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the strategic advisory profession.

"*" indicates required fields

1Personal Details
2Questionnaire & Application Materials
3Voluntary Self Identification

Personal Details

Name*
Address*