Countries once considered pivotal to the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy—particularly India and members of the ASEAN bloc—are now facing some of the harshest trade penalties. Tariffs That Rattle Key U.S. PartnersThe revised tariff rates have landed hardest on India and ASEAN economies. For ASEAN economies like Vietnam—already struggling with heavy trade deficits with China—strengthening ties with India could help reduce over-reliance on Beijing. For ASEAN states like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, excessive reliance on China risks forcing concessions on sovereignty in the South China Sea. Instead of reinforcing America’s Indo-Pacific strategy, tariffs could accelerate the rise of a more multipolar Asia, where Washington’s role is diluted rather than strengthened.