Washington: Malaysia, along with four other ASEAN member states, is now subject to a 19 per cent tariff imposed by the United States (US) effective August 8.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a presidential order issued by the White House on July 31 mandates the same tariff rate for Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. This decision aligns with the US's recent trade policies affecting the Southeast Asian region.

On July 7, Washington declared a 25 per cent tariff on all Malaysian products entering the US, separate from sectoral tariffs, effective August 1. This rate is one percentage point higher than what was initially announced in April, reflecting a shift in the US's trade strategy.

Meanwhile, Vietnam is set to face a slightly higher tariff rate of 20 per cent, while Brunei will encounter a 25 per cent tariff. In comparison, Singapore, a major trading partner of the US, continues to benefit from the lowest tariff among ASEAN nations at 10 per cent, a rate that has remained unchanged since its initial implementation.

In contrast, Laos and Myanmar face the region's highest tariffs, with both countries subject to a 40 per cent rate. These tariffs illustrate the varying trade relationships and economic strategies between the US and ASEAN nations.