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The Philippines has submitted new legislation to the United States Trade Representative in hopes of reducing a 12.5 per cent tariff on exports, arguing the country has robust laws against forced labour and strong enforcement mechanisms.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese has committed to pressing President Trump on newly imposed tariffs affecting 60 trading partners, including Australia, which faces a 12.5% levy on imports.
Singapore is among 45 countries hit with a new 12.5 per cent tariff on exports to the United States, following a US investigation into forced-labour practices. The move affects roughly one-third of Singapore's US-bound exports and signals escalating trade tensions across Asia.
The Philippines is negotiating with the United States to reduce a 12.5% tariff imposed over forced labour concerns in imported goods, targeting a reduction to 10%, according to the Philippine ambassador.
Malaysia is now subject to a 10 per cent US tariff related to forced labour concerns, effective immediately. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry says it will maintain dialogue with American counterparts regarding the import duties.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia will continue negotiating with the United States over tariffs tied to forced labour concerns, noting the 10% rate imposed is relatively modest compared to other nations.
Singapore now faces a 12.5 per cent tariff on significant export volumes following a US investigation into forced labour practices. The measure affects roughly one-third of the island nation's domestic exports to America.
The United States has announced punitive tariffs of 10-12.5% against 60 trading partners, including Malaysia's key regional neighbours, for inadequately enforcing prohibitions on forced-labour goods imports.
The US administration has formally implemented tariffs ranging from 10-12.5% on South Korea, Japan and dozens of other trading partners following investigations into forced labour practices. South Korea had previously objected to the measures.
Malaysia's manufacturing federation is pushing back against proposed US tariffs linked to forced labour, arguing blanket duties could unfairly penalise responsible exporters and destabilise critical supply chains.
Malaysia is developing a mechanism to prohibit imports of goods produced using forced labour, establishing an inter-agency task force to address US trade compliance requirements and avoid potential tariffs.