Asia disputes forced labour claims used to justify latest US tariffs
Thailand receives a tariff rate of 12.5 per cent, similar to most competing countries.“Countries with slightly lower tariff rates than Thailand, such as 10 per cent, may have a slight advantage, but the difference isn’t as wide as in previous measures. This is on top of other sectoral tariffs on Chinese goods, such as electric vehicles, steel and semiconductors. If there is a response, I would expect it to be measured and proportional.
- ▪Thailand receives a tariff rate of 12.5 per cent, similar to most competing countries.“Countries with slightly lower tariff rates than Thailand, such as 10 per cent, may have a slight advantage, but the difference isn’t as wide as in previo
- ▪This is on top of other sectoral tariffs on Chinese goods, such as electric vehicles, steel and semiconductors.
- ▪If there is a response, I would expect it to be measured and proportional.
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Asia disputes forced labour claims used to justify latest US tariffsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxCountries hit with the higher US tariff rate rejected Washington’s claims that forced labour exists in their supply chains. PHOTO: REUTERSChew Hui MinPublished Jul 24, 2026, 09:05 PMUpdated Jul 24, 2026, 09:05 PMSet as preferred sourceSummariseThe US imposed new 10-12.5% tariffs on 60 countries, citing forced labour claims that many affected nations, including Japan and Australia, strongly deny as unfounded.Countries with trade agreements like Japan and South Korea seek to uphold existing deals, limiting tariff increases and maintaining close communication with the US.Reactions vary from muted acceptance in China and Thailand to concerns over trade tensions, while…
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