A new survey reveals Southeast Asia's growing anxiety about US economic strategies, with over half of respondents calling Trump-era trade measures their #1 geopolitical concern this year. The 2026 State of Southeast Asia report shows 51.9% now view Washington's leadership as their top worry – a sharp jump from 46.9% in 2025. 💼
🔥 "Economic tensions are rewriting the rulebook for US-ASEAN relations," the report states, highlighting that 43.4% of respondents specifically fear sanctions and tariffs – a 21.3% surge since last year.
🇻🇳 Vietnam and Timor-Leste lead the trend with 60%+ concern rates, while even traditionally US-aligned nations like the Philippines and Singapore hit 50%. The pattern holds across political landscapes, from Malaysia's 40.3% to Thailand's 43.9%.
📜 Regional voices are calling for "rules-based engagement" as 33-34% in Cambodia and Indonesia say trade disputes could permanently damage US credibility. The report urges Washington to prioritize international law to mend ties.
