US trade volumes with Thailand, Indonesia, and Philippines achieved record highs in Q1 2026, defying President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Despite 19-23% duties, US imports surged 23% from Thailand, 11% from Indonesia, and 38% from Philippines (deficit $4.9B to $6.8B), driven by electronics, semiconductors, and machinery rerouting from China amid “Chinese Plus One” strategies. The value of the total ASEAN-US goods trade was more than 475B+/year, with Thailand, $52B imports, electronics boom in the Philippines and chemicals fuelling growth in Indonesia. Analysts attribute this change in supply chains and demand of AI chips and bilateral agreements that ensure the tariff remains below that of China 47. Early US Census results indicate gaps that are growing with exports decreasing, which is an indicator of strength in the manufacturing centers of Southeast Asia.
Thailand Trade Surge Drivers
Thailand electronic, autos top 23% import growth to nearly $60B, tariffs subsidized through US demand.
Indonesia Electronics Boom
Intermediates, chemicals 11% growth; trade deficit is increasing with value chain integration.
Official Data Announcement
Al Jazeera posted the US trade surge with Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines) via official X:
