How have US tariffs changed the way countries in Asia trade and what has been the impact on the region?

US President Donald Trump announced a slew of tariffs in April last year on more than 90 countries. For a while, it threatened to damage global trade and grind business investments to a halt. Then, earlier this year, the US Supreme Court struck down most of the tariffs the White House announced in 2025, arguing that the president had overstepped his powers. Mr Trump then imposed a new 10 per cent global tariff to replace them. So where exactly are we at now with tariffs?

On this episode of Asia Specific, Mariko speaks to two guests who have been closely monitoring this. Deborah Elms is the head of trade policy at Hinrich Foundation in Singapore, tracking trade relations between Asia and the United States. Nick Marsh is the BBC’s business reporter, and he’s spoken to companies in the region to find out exactly how the tariffs have changed the way they trade.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

US President Donald Trump says he believes China helped push Iran towards the two-week ceasefire. With Pakistan leading talks between Iran and the US, what role is China, Pakistan’s close friend and neighbour, playing behind the scenes? What will this conditional ceasefire mean for Asia’s energy shortage? And does a two-week truce mean Southeast Asian countries, grappling with high oil and gas prices, can expect things to return to normal soon? Host Mariko Oi is joined by Asia Specific Senior Journalist Bill Birtles and analyst Adam Samdin from Oxford Economics in Singapore. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

The US Artemis II mission around the Moon is part of a plan to establish a long-term human presence beyond Earth. But it’s not alone. China has been steadily advancing its space programme, with plans to land its own astronauts on the moon by 2030 and develop a permanent lunar base in the years that follow.

More than half a century after the Apollo missions, the focus has shifted from symbolic firsts to sustained presence and strategic advantage. Both countries are investing heavily in lunar exploration, while also expanding capabilities in satellites, space stations, and deep space missions.

Presenter Mariko Oi speaks to astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker and BBC journalist Kethaki Masilamani to unpack the significance of Artemis II, how China compares to the US in space, and what this growing competition could mean for the future of exploration, security and international co-operation.

This episode was recorded on 6 April at 2pm Singapore time.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk