Indonesia is among the 10 heaviest-hit countries by United States tariffs. Trade talks will mean balancing the US need for critical minerals and Indonesia's desire to develop its domestic processing industries.
Donald Trump’s tariffs risk driving up global food and fertiliser prices, deepening food insecurity in developing countries already struggling with poverty, climate shocks and market volatility.
The Trumpian approach to critical minerals – evident from the United States' interactions with Ukraine – may force Southeast Asia to choose sides. The region needs to look at diversifying its technical partners in the energy sector.