GLOBAL RESPONSES POUR IN FOLLOWING US 90-DAY TARIFF PAUSE

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Governments across the globe have reacted to United States (US) President Donald Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs – which excludes China, whose imports now face an increased tariff of 125 per cent.

The move, seen as a temporary recalibration of the US trade stance, came after widespread concern and responses from trading partners affected by the blanket tariffs imposed earlier this month.

In Southeast Asia, ASEAN nations issued a joint statement following a special ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, stating that the grouping would not resort to retaliatory measures and instead welcomed the opportunity for dialogue.

"ASEAN will engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the United States to address trade-related concerns," the ministers said.

Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz also welcomed the United States’ decision to pause higher tariffs for numerous trading partners. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty it creates for regional economies.

“These latest developments will certainly be among the topics of discussion at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting that I will be chairing this morning,” he said in a post on social media, adding that “nothing is certain but uncertainty when it comes to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.”

In Europe, Germany viewed the pause as a sign that US policy was responding to pressure from the continent.

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz said in an interview with broadcaster RTL Direkt that "we are determined to defend ourselves," referencing the European Union’s move to approve retaliatory tariffs on US$23 billion worth of goods, set to take effect on April 15.

"Unity helps," he said, adding that a trade conflict would not benefit anyone.

"Trump is currently seeing problems with his tariff policy at home. The inflation rate is rising, imports are collapsing, and exports are experiencing major difficulties."

Merz also expressed hope for a longer-term solution, saying: "The best thing is for us all to work together to achieve zero per cent tariffs in transatlantic trade. And then the problem will be solved."

In Asia, Japan offered a cautious but positive response.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo welcomed the move and had previously conveyed its concerns at various levels.

"First of all, we want to clarify the details of this message," he said, as quoted by Sputnik.

"Our country has explained our concerns... and asked for a review of the measures on tariffs. In this regard, we positively assess this statement by the American side." Hayashi added that Japan would continue to push for a review of US tariffs on steel and automobiles.

The announcement also triggered a strong market response in Tokyo.

According to Kyodo News, the Nikkei index surged over 8.0 per cent on Thursday morning as investors reacted to the US decision to suspend tariff hikes on its trading partners.

In South Korea, where a 10 per cent baseline tariff remains in place, Yonhap News Agency reported that the government views the pause as a chance to re-engage in trade discussions.

Trump’s decision came after China imposed retaliatory duties, prompting Washington to raise Chinese tariffs to 125 per cent.

Indonesia welcomed the pause as a step toward restoring meaningful dialogue.

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said the reprieve "gives more room for constructive discussion between the US and all countries," reflecting the region’s preference for negotiation over escalation.

Vietnam took swift diplomatic action, with Reuters reporting that the country had agreed to begin discussions with the United States on a potential trade agreement.

The development followed the US decision to suspend a planned 46 per cent tariff on Vietnamese exports.

According to a statement by the Vietnamese government, both sides will explore the removal of non-tariff barriers following a meeting between Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington.

According to Reuters, Greer acknowledged the discussions on social media, stating they covered "reciprocal trade and the vast economic opportunities in our bilateral relationship."

Despite the temporary suspension, the White House confirmed that a 10 per cent blanket tariff on nearly all imports remains in effect.

While the 90-day pause offers a window for dialogue, many observers remain cautious, noting that the broader uncertainty around US trade policy continues to cast a shadow over global markets.

-- BERNAMA