Overview
- At the Kuala Lumpur summit, Trump oversaw framework trade and minerals accords with Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam that did not reduce existing U.S. tariffs, though exemptions may follow.
- Malaysia’s pact includes a pledge to avoid export bans or quotas on U.S.-bound rare earths and to accelerate related projects, part of efforts to diversify critical‑minerals supply chains.
- Thailand and Cambodia formalized an extended truce with provisions to withdraw heavy weapons, free 18 detained soldiers and set up observers, building on a ceasefire reached in July.
- U.S. and Chinese negotiators reported a preliminary framework for a tariff pause that could revive U.S. soybean sales and delay China’s rare‑earth curbs for a year, pending internal approvals and a planned Oct. 30 Trump–Xi meeting.
- Trump departed for Japan to meet Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi before heading to South Korea, as ASEAN leaders also welcomed Timor‑Leste and prepared RCEP discussions under the cloud of U.S. tariff pressure.