China has been redirecting its exports through Southeast Asian countries as a strategy to circumvent the tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump. This rerouting has led to a decline in direct trade between China and the United States, while shipments to the ASEAN bloc have increased. Industry experts, including Bessent, have advised Southeast Asian partners to capitalize on this shift by negotiating trade deals. The Financial Times and other sources highlight this development as part of broader changes in global supply chains driven by tariff policies.