Tech Giants Including Apple and Intel Head to Vietnam Amid Trade War Tensions

With the US administration imposing additional tariffs on goods from China, more than 60 large US companies, including Apple, Intel, Boeing, Amazon, and energy firms like Excelerate Energy and GE Vernon, are heading to Vietnam for the annual United States and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (US-ASEAN) mission. The mission aims to discuss trade concerns and explore opportunities in a region increasingly seen as an alternative to China. The US-ASEAN Business Council, founded in 1984, promotes US investment and trade with ASEAN countries and conducts economic and policy research. Apple has been particularly impacted by the tariffs, with potential iPhone price increases of nearly 10 percent if relief is not secured. In response, Apple has increased its presence in India, where import taxes on key components have been reduced. China, meanwhile, has restricted the export of critical materials and the movement of skilled workers to prevent knowledge transfer.