<h1>Trump's Tariff Plans Threaten Asian Export Economies with 25% Auto Tax and Targeted Trade Surplus Penalties</h1> The escalating trade war under President Trump's second term poses significant challenges for Asian economies that have historically relied on export manufacturing. Trump plans to implement various tariffs, including 25% on autos and auto parts, targeting countries with trade surpluses with the US. China faces continued pressure with a $295.4 billion trade deficit with the US last year, while Japan's auto industry (representing 5.6 million jobs) anxiously awaits potential exclusion from tariffs. Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam-all with substantial US trade surpluses-are vulnerable to tariff impacts on electronics, semiconductors, and manufacturing. Some countries are increasing US investments or reducing their own tariffs to appease the administration. The uncertainty surrounding 'reciprocal' tariffs has created economic anxiety throughout Asia.