A: Hey buddy! Guess what?

B: What's up?

A: There's some interesting news about Southeast Asia. Their exports to the US are skyrocketing as we get closer to ending a 90-day pause on these tariff increases!

B: Really? That sounds significant. Anything specific I should know?

A: Well, look at this! Exports from Malaysia surged up by 45%, Vietnam jumped 34%, and Thailand saw a rise of 23% in April compared to last year. Electronics, clothes, and rubber products were the main exports that went way up!

B: Whoa, that's a big jump! I can see why they're concerned though. What about these tariffs?

A: The US has threatened some hefty ones – 46% for Vietnam, 36% for Thailand, and 24% for Malaysia. It's causing quite the stir over there!

B: So, they're rushing to negotiate with the US, but it seems like they're also worried about a decline in exports later this year?

A: Exactly! Companies are trying to export goods ahead of schedule, but that could lead to lower exports during the second half of the year. It's quite a challenge they're facing!
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Southeast Asia's exports to the United States are surging as the deadline nears to end a 90-day pause on hiking what Washington has called "reciprocal tariffs."



In April, US-bound exports from Southeast Asian countries shot up compared to the same month last year.



They were up 45 percent from Malaysia, 34 percent from Vietnam, and 23 percent from Thailand. Exports of electronic components, apparel, and rubber products like automobile tires rose sharply.



In addition to the Trump administration's threat to slap a 46 percent tariff on Vietnam, it has floated tariffs of 36 percent for Thailand and 24 percent for Malaysia.



While Southeast Asian officials scramble to negotiate with the US, more companies have been trying to export goods ahead of schedule. But that solution could create another problem, a decline in exports in the second half of this year.