Why tariffs aren’t the biggest factor holding back US-Asean trade

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Brian McFeetersMarch 18, 2026 at 03:30 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

In April 2025, the US imposed tariffs that negatively impacted Southeast Asian markets, prompting negotiations and reciprocal trade agreements to lower them. The US Supreme Court later rejected the blanket tariff approach. However, the article argues that tariffs are not the primary impediment to US-ASEAN trade. While tariffs can be factored into business costs, non-tariff barriers present a greater challenge. These include fluctuating regulations, complex customs procedures, redundant approvals, and unclear licensing systems within ASEAN countries. These non-tariff barriers are the main obstacles hindering American companies operating in the ASEAN region, which represents a significant trading partner for the US.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

International Emergency Economic Powers Act 60% Indonesia 60% Malaysia 60% Cambodia 60% US Supreme Court 70% Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) 80% Donald Trump ×280% United States ×490% Southeast Asia ×290%

Keywords

non-tariff barriers 90% tariffs 90% us-asean trade 80% regulations 70% licensing systems 60% market access 60% customs procedures 60% trade agreements 50% supply chains 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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non-tariff barriers tariffs us-asean trade regulations licensing systems market access customs procedures trade agreements supply chains

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