Despite legal woes, Trump’s tariffs remain a challenge for South-east Asia

[SINGAPORE] On Feb 20, the US Supreme Court ruled that US President Donald Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unconstitutional.

The president criticised the decision and announced a standard universal tariff of 10 per cent – later 15 per cent – under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. 

The immediate effects on South-east Asian economies were apparent. With the exception of Singapore and Timor Leste, most countries in Asean saw their effective tariff rates decrease.