Trump's decision to impose tariffs on goods that pass through ASEAN countries on their way from China to the United States presents an opportunity for growth in the supply chain management industry, according to Alex Capri, a lecturer at the National University of Singapore.

According to him, the new rules complicate the work of importers in these countries. They will need clearer data on the origin of their goods, and this provides a chance for a new sector to develop - companies that have the necessary technologies and have improved processes for confirming origin.

The reaction of ASEAN countries is still unclear

Following the news of the White House sending letters to impose higher tariffs, diplomats, former diplomats and other commentators familiar with the positions of the relevant Asian governments told Politico that there was a general sense of irritation at Washington’s actions. ASEAN foreign ministers met this week in Kuala Lumpur, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also attend the meeting. According to Asian diplomats, the Trump administration’s actions could be destructive to the trade relations that previous US administrations have developed in the region.

China will also attend the Kuala Lumpur meeting, and the new tariffs provide an opportunity for Beijing to improve its relations with Southeast Asian countries. At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning expressed the country's desire to develop free trade in the region.

In 2024, ASEAN had trade turnover with the United States of $555 billion and $968 billion with China, but some of the countries in the alliance have territorial disputes with Beijing, which has led them to seek closer relations with Washington.