Asia Pacific News
LAST UPDATE: July 17, 2025
Trump says US will stick to 25% tariff on Japan, may have deal with India soon
On July 16, President Trump confirmed maintaining a 25% tariff on Japanese imports (and South Korea), effective August 1, and mentioned a potential upcoming trade deal with India under its current 26% tariff. He also plans to issue a unified tariff notice (above 10%) to over 150 smaller countries, and threatened a 30% tariff on the EU if no deal is reached by August 1 (Reuters, The Edge Malaysia).
Insight
Trump is doubling down on a broad, tough tariff policy with fixed deadlines, leveraging trade pressure to negotiate selective deals like with Indonesia and potentially India, while keeping the EU on edge.
India Seeks Lower Tariff Than Indonesia in Race to Clinch Deal
India is pushing for a trade agreement with the US that offers tariff rates lower than Indonesia’s, aiming to secure a competitive edge before the August 1 deadline .
Insight
India’s aggressive tactic to negotiate a better deal than its peers underlines its strategic use of U.S. deadline pressure to boost its manufacturing growth.
Thailand to Make Fresh Proposals to US in Bid to Avert Tariff
Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira plans to present new tariff concession proposals to U.S. trade officials before August 1 to avoid steep duties .
Insight
Thailand is proactively seeking tailored trade concessions, indicating nuanced negotiations where nations tailor offers in hopes of better outcomes.
