US imposes new tariffs on ASEAN nations and other economies, drawing criticism from Brazil

The United States has announced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies, including seven ASEAN nations, citing allegations of forced labor. This move is perceived as undermining Washington's 'China plus one' narrative and potentially pushing Southeast Asian economies closer to Beijing's trade orbit. Separately, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the new US tariffs on Brazil (ranging from 12.5% to 37.5%) as unfair and a strategic mistake, warning they would harm the bilateral partnership and increase costs for US consumers.