When it comes to what Asian countries actually gained from Donald Trump's whirlwind tour, the answer is somewhat murky.
While the US president managed to collect new trade deals with Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, analysts are questioning whether these agreements amount to much more than just paper promises. The deals, which included everything from tariffs on certain goods to joint ventures in critical minerals supply chains, are likely to be put to the test over the coming months.
One thing is clear, however: China was noticeably absent from Trump's Asia tour. This has led some to speculate that Beijing sees its rival as more of a nuisance than a legitimate trading partner.
In Malaysia, Trump secured pledges from Vietnam and other countries to increase their US purchases, but these commitments were only made in exchange for the US agreeing to maintain tariffs on certain goods. Meanwhile, Thailand and Cambodia will continue to face higher tariffs than they had previously agreed to.
Japan, which is seen as a critical player in East Asia, also emerged with a new deal from Trump on securing the mining and processing of rare earths and other minerals. However, this agreement has been hailed by some experts as more of a "goodwill gesture" than a major breakthrough.
In South Korea, where Trump pushed through a $350 billion trade deal that included significant investments in shipbuilding, analysts are warning that the agreement could be put to the test over the coming months.
As for what Asian countries got out of Trump's tour overall, it seems clear that they didn't get much more than a fleeting sense of relief from the ongoing tensions with China. With Beijing seen as a major threat by many in the region, it remains to be seen whether these agreements will hold water in the long term.
Ultimately, it appears that Trump's Asia tour has left many questions unanswered. But one thing is clear: the US president may have scored some short-term victories on trade and security issues, but he also laid bare the deep divisions between East and West – and between China and the rest of the world.
While the US president managed to collect new trade deals with Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, analysts are questioning whether these agreements amount to much more than just paper promises. The deals, which included everything from tariffs on certain goods to joint ventures in critical minerals supply chains, are likely to be put to the test over the coming months.
One thing is clear, however: China was noticeably absent from Trump's Asia tour. This has led some to speculate that Beijing sees its rival as more of a nuisance than a legitimate trading partner.
In Malaysia, Trump secured pledges from Vietnam and other countries to increase their US purchases, but these commitments were only made in exchange for the US agreeing to maintain tariffs on certain goods. Meanwhile, Thailand and Cambodia will continue to face higher tariffs than they had previously agreed to.
Japan, which is seen as a critical player in East Asia, also emerged with a new deal from Trump on securing the mining and processing of rare earths and other minerals. However, this agreement has been hailed by some experts as more of a "goodwill gesture" than a major breakthrough.
In South Korea, where Trump pushed through a $350 billion trade deal that included significant investments in shipbuilding, analysts are warning that the agreement could be put to the test over the coming months.
As for what Asian countries got out of Trump's tour overall, it seems clear that they didn't get much more than a fleeting sense of relief from the ongoing tensions with China. With Beijing seen as a major threat by many in the region, it remains to be seen whether these agreements will hold water in the long term.
Ultimately, it appears that Trump's Asia tour has left many questions unanswered. But one thing is clear: the US president may have scored some short-term victories on trade and security issues, but he also laid bare the deep divisions between East and West – and between China and the rest of the world.
. those trade deals sound pretty shaky if u ask me. Malaysia & japan got some promises from vietnam, but idc what's in it for them. japan's rare earth deal sounds like a goodwill thing to me. and south korea's $350b trade deal? that's just a big fat risk 
. china's absence is the real giveaway... they're not worried about trump's bluffs. we'll see how these deals hold up in the long run 
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. Like, I know Malaysia and Japan are happy to take whatever they can get at this point, but come on, it's not like these agreements are going to magically fix everything with China.
. Either way, I'm guessing this is going to be a wild ride for the rest of 2025. Can't wait to see how these "trade deals" actually play out 
I guess only time will tell if these agreements are gonna stick or crumble like ice in summer 
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. I mean, what's in it for them, really? 
Are they just trying to appease the US and avoid those tariffs on certain goods? 
It feels like a game of economic chicken to me 
... until the going gets tough, that is.
. That tells me something - they're not exactly thrilled about the US president's antics on the international stage 
. I'm not surprised, though. China's all about long-term strategy and building relationships with other countries 
... where's the meat? 
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. It's like Trump was trying to play hardball with China all over again, but this time without any of the actual substance. And now we're left wondering if these deals will even hold up in the long term 
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trump's tour was all about us vs china & now it feels like china is just chillin' in the background 
also, 350 billion trade deal with south korea seems like a lot 
. Like, yeah, some countries got new trade deals, but are they really gonna stick? 
It feels like a lot of hot air to me 
. And China being left out is pretty telling - does that mean they're not interested in playing nice with the US right now? 
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. Can't wait to see what happens next in our school's debate club – at least we can have some actual substance to discuss 
!
i mean on one hand he got some decent trade deals going on but like are they really gonna hold up? and what about china? i feel like beijing is just waiting for trump to mess up so it can swoop in and take the spotlight 
. On one hand, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea did get some sweet trade deals out of it 
. But on the other hand, I'm not convinced that these agreements are gonna hold up in the long run 
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️. But on the other hand, these agreements are super shaky and might not last 
And don't even get me started on the whole $350 billion trade deal with South Korea - I'm like, is that really enough to make a difference in their economy? 
. Ugh, I'm all over the place about this one 