KUALA LUMPUR – The United States (US) has granted a 0% import tariff exemption to three Southeast Asian countries — Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia — under a new trade agreement announced during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The policy, approved directly by US President Donald Trump, also removes the 19% retaliatory tariff previously imposed on the three nations.

According to nationthailand.com on Monday (27/10), the decision allows a wide range of products from the three countries to enter the US market without import duties.

The move is seen as a strategic effort by Washington to strengthen economic cooperation and promote trade diversification within Southeast Asia.

One of the key agreements was reached between Thailand and the US, which signed a “Reciprocal Trade Framework Agreement” aimed at expanding bilateral economic and investment relations.

Under the deal, Thailand committed to purchasing over USD 20 billion worth of agricultural products, energy supplies, and aircraft manufactured in the US.

In return, Bangkok agreed to lift tariffs on nearly 99% of US goods. Although the US has retained a 19% tariff on most items, several Thai products will now enjoy a 0% rate.

The detailed list of tariff-free products has not yet been released.

Meanwhile, Malaysia secured 0% tariffs for three major sectors:

• Aerospace equipment
• Pharmaceutical products
• Key commodities such as palm oil, cocoa, and rubber

Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, said the move would enhance Malaysia’s export competitiveness and strengthen its trade ties with the US.

Indonesia, on the other hand, is currently negotiating a similar deal.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that intensive trade talks are ongoing, after being delayed by the recent US government shutdown. Further discussions are expected to conclude within the coming weeks. (DK/KR/ZH)