US tariff turmoil: Will partners in Asia and Europe break away from their 2025 deals?

AS THE Middle East conflict moves into its third week, the economic shock waves are growing, especially for Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, the Trump administation has opened yet another front of uncertainty with its announcement of major trade investigations – including against key Asean nations – which are likely to lead to fresh American tariffs from this summer.

Last week, US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer said that the so-called Section 301 unfair trade practices probes under the 1974 Trade Act are at least twofold in nature.