US trade representative Jamieson Greer said the US is in the process of negotiating deals and establishing a stable economic relationship between it and Asean, reported Bernama.

“What we are focussed on at this stage is the negotiations, not tariffs,” he said when asked if further tariffs were on the table.

“That being said, if we are unable to reach agreements, tariffs remain a possible option,” Greer told reporters on the sidelines of the 57th Asean economic ministers meeting and related events here.

President Donald Trump previously said the US might impose “fairly substantial” tariffs on semiconductor imports, though no such measures had been implemented to date.

When asked whether semiconductor exports from Asean countries were “safe” from potential US tariffs, Greer noted that the global semiconductor supply chain was highly complex.

“It is also critical to national security for both the US and Asean nations. As such, we want to be very careful and thorough in addressing the international trade situation.

“We must ensure supply chain security for the US, but Asean countries remain an important source for semiconductors,” Greer said.

Last month, the US imposed 19% tariffs on Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

Vietnam faced a slightly higher rate of 20%, followed by Brunei at 25%. Singapore, a major US trading partner, faces the lowest tariff among Asean nations at 10%.

Laos and Myanmar were the hardest hit, with tariffs set at 40%.