Trump's Tariffs

Here's a useful graphic outlining the tariffs as they apply to ASEAN and neighbouring countries in Asia:

This is a retrograde step and I think the Trump administration have got this badly wrong. There will be an initial uptick as US importers pay these tariffs, resulting in a lower US deficit, but then things kick in which the US has no control over. For instance, countries will increasingly just deal with one another and ignore the US.

Here's a Bloomberg piece, I presume from their Asia desk:

Watch Out World: Philippines Booming

Yes, the Philippines with oil and gas, shipbuilding, high tech, and educated people. The Philippines appears to be the next country to take off:

Tariffs and Trade Southeast Asia

ASEAN countries are faced with economic challenges, both as the trade war ramps up, but also due to changes in consumer demand. For instance, in 2024 car production in Thailand contracted 30%, with Suzuki and Subaru shutting down altogether. 

Indonesia is a critical source of nickel, required for use in batteries. I wonder, are there viable nickel deposits in the Nelson and Marlborough areas, has New Zealand looked hard enough?