Historic Tariff War Returns, Shaking 2025 Markets Across Southeast Asia
Summary
The U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs in 2025—up to 100% on Chinese imports—triggering immediate countermeasures by China and proposed EU levies.
Stock markets and currencies worldwide tumbled, reflecting the deepening impact of protectionist policies on global supply chains and investor confidence.
Historical precedents, from the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Act to 2018 steel tariffs, demonstrate how reciprocal tariffs often prolong economic instability.
U.S.-China tensions remain cyclical, with each round of tariffs reshaping industries reliant on cost-effective cross-border manufacturing.
Corporate lobbying has historically secured selective exemptions, underscoring the significance of direct engagement with policymakers.
Tariff measures tend to linger, elevating recession risks and pressuring companies to diversify sourcing, optimize supply chains, and plan for contingencies.
Overall, staying agile and proactively addressing policy shifts is critical to preserving competitiveness and managing uncertainty in volatile trade environments.
