KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 28 October (H.S.): On the first leg of his Asian tour, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a series of significant trade and framework agreements with several Southeast Asian nations on Sunday, aiming to bolster economic ties and counter China's dominance in the critical rare earths market.

According to reports, the deals were initiated at a summit in Malaysia and appear to have eased some regional anxieties stemming from ongoing trade disputes.

A major focus of the agreements was securing access to rare earth minerals. The U.S. inked memoranda of understanding with Malaysia and Thailand to enhance cooperation on these crucial materials.

Additionally, new trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia grant the United States increased access to their respective rare mineral industries, a strategic move to diversify supply chains away from China.The trade agreements include substantial commitments

Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government agreed to purchase 30 Boeing aircraft, with an option for 30 more, and invest $150 billion in U.S. semiconductors and other technology. In return, the U.S. will grant tariff exemptions for Malaysian agricultural goods.

Vietnam: A framework agreement maintains a 20% tariff rate on Vietnamese exports to the U.S. while establishing zero tariffs for certain goods. Vietnam committed to buying 50 Boeing aircraft and over $2.9 billion in U.S. agricultural products.

Thailand: A new framework agreement will offer exemptions from the 19% U.S. tariff rate on Thai goods in exchange for Thailand eliminating most duties on American products. The deal also includes the purchase of 80 U.S. aircraft.

Cambodia: In exchange for tariff exemptions, Cambodia agreed to facilitate U.S. investment in the exploration and processing of its critical mineral resources.

While these deals mark a significant step, key issues such as U.S. tariffs on semiconductors and the policy on transshipped goods largely aimed at China remain unresolved for several of the partner nations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar