The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series How Was Trump's Trip to Asia? || Peter Zeihan
32 snips
Nov 10, 2025 President Trump's recent trip to Asia shook up U.S. trade dynamics. Observations highlight the shift away from Northeast Asia due to demographic changes, while Southeast Asia emerges as a valuable partner. Trump's mixed messaging on tariffs creates challenges for businesses adapting their supply chains. Although there are promises of agreements with ASEAN countries, the details remain vague. The impact of Trump's leadership style on negotiations and enforcement issues complicates U.S.-China relations, with ongoing tariff chaos likely to persist.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Demographics Drive Trade Realignment
- Northeastern Asia, especially China, is aging into structural decline that will force trade relationships toward zero over time.
- Southeast Asia has healthier demographics and strong U.S. ties, so shifting trade there makes long-term sense.
Deals Without Texts Are Hollow
- Trump's tariff actions have been erratic and sometimes punitive, penalizing firms shifting supply chains away from China.
- Many announced Southeast Asian 'deals' lacked texts and host-government confirmations, so their substance is uncertain.
Vietnam Is The Key Plug
- Vietnam is the most strategically valuable Southeast Asian trade partner due to its tech level and large workforce.
- The trip produced little meaningful progress to concretely shift U.S. supply chains to Vietnam.