TOKYO – Some places reacted with relief on Aug 1 after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that, in some cases, were lower than threatened and delayed by a week to Aug 7.

But others, including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan, still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars.

Mr Trump’s announcement does not cover export giant China – currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of an Aug 12 deadline – but here is how other economies reacted:

The 19 per cent levy for Thailand and Cambodia –

fresh from border clashes

Thailand called it a “major success” and a “win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand’s export base and long-term economic stability”.

The US trade deficit with Thailand hit US$45.6 billion (S$60 billion) in 2024. Its main exports include machinery, vehicles and auto components.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called it “the best news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue to develop the country”.

The major manufacturer of low-cost clothing for Western brands was initially menaced with a tariff of 40 per cent.

Neighbouring Vietnam concluded an agreement with Washington at the beginning of July on a rate reduced to 20 per cent.

But Washington also intends to impose a 40 per cent surcharge on goods transported to the US via third countries, known as transshipments.

This could hurt, in particular, nations in South-east Asia, whose production chains are closely...