US close to trade deal with Southeast Asian countries

VTV.vn - Many members of the ASEAN bloc have initiated trade negotiations with the US, after being hit with increased import taxes.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Photo: AFP

The US is expected to finalize trade agreements with several Southeast Asian countries in the coming months, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on September 24, at a meeting with ASEAN economic ministers.

"We believe that there are many areas where we have similar interests. And the two sides can work together to achieve a common goal, which is reciprocity and balance in global trade," he said.

The announcement comes as analysts are concerned about the impact of import tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump in recent months. This is Mr. Greer’s first meeting with ASEAN countries. Many members of the bloc have initiated trade negotiations with the US after being hit with increased import tariffs.

According to Mr. Greer, tariff negotiations with individual ASEAN countries are making clear progress. He emphasized that the US and ASEAN have common interests in many areas and aim to create reciprocity and balance in global trade.

Most ASEAN countries are subject to tariffs of 19-20% imposed by the US. Since taking office earlier this year, the US President has repeatedly announced import tariffs to reduce the deficit. So far, he has imposed tariffs on most trading partners, while also announcing separate tariffs on industries such as aluminum, steel, cars and car parts. However, the future of much of this policy is in the hands of the US Supreme Court, after two lower courts ruled it illegal.

Source: https://vtv.vn/my-sap-chot-thoa-thuan-thuong-mai-voi-cac-nuoc-dong-nam-a-100250925070904894.htm