Indonesia says it’s open to trade talks with US

ISTANBUL

Indonesia said Monday that it is open to trade negotiations with the US following new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, the Jakarta Globe reported.

President Prabowo Subianto said the country is ready to engage in talks after Washington imposed a 32% tariff on Indonesian imports last week.

“The trade war is affecting us, but we remain calm. We are strong and will negotiate with all nations, including the United States,” Prabowo said.

Other Southeast Asian nations are also weighing responses to the sweeping US tariffs.

Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, said his government is not considering retaliatory tariffs, the Malay Mail reported.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s position would be “calm, firm and guided by Malaysia’s national interests,” aimed at “securing a favorable resolution.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said his government is considering sending a delegation to Washington after a 49% tariff was imposed on Cambodian goods, according to the Khmer Times.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is expected to visit the United States soon for negotiations, the Bangkok Post reported.

South Korea’s interim leader Han Duck-soo said the government plans to dispatch its trade minister to Washington for talks “as soon as possible.”

Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said she is arranging a meeting with her US counterpart to discuss expanding economic ties and is pushing for a bilateral free trade agreement.

Trump last week announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on goods from more than 180 countries, ranging from 10% to 50%. US officials said more than 50 countries have reached out to begin negotiations.