The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
Vietnam's Foreign Ministry has rejected US allegations of forced labour practices, pointing to a new decree banning imports of goods manufactured through labour exploitation and asserting full compliance with international labour standards.
Malaysia has been assigned a 10% tariff rate under US Section 301 forced labour measures, placing it in the lower tier among 17 affected economies. The favourable rate recognises Malaysia's commitments to labour protections.
The Philippines is negotiating with the United States to reduce a 12.5% tariff imposed over forced labour import concerns, aiming for a 10% rate instead, according to Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Brazil has rejected a 12.5 per cent US tariff imposed following a forced labour investigation, dismissing it as protectionist. The country will pursue the matter through WTO dispute settlement and invoke its reciprocity law.