Tariffs to impact ASEAN's exports, investment flows

The US government's decision to impose punitive tariffs on major trading partners will impact Southeast Asia, and the region's export-dependent economy could face long-term repercussions, analysts said.

While ASEAN members will not be directly hit by the hikes, analysts said the United States slapping higher tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico could slow down global trade, reducing export revenues and investment inflows for ASEAN.

US President Donald Trump signed an order on Feb 1 imposing a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10 percent on imported Chinese goods. He also said that imposing additional tariffs against the European Union "will definitely happen" but did not give a timeline.