In Part 1, we explored how suspicion has become the new standard at U.S. borders. Now, Part 2 examines the next big challenge: the collapse of confidence in the “China + One” strategy.
The “China + One” Strategy Under Fire
Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia—once seen as safe havens for supply chain diversification—are now under the same scrutiny. Importers face a flipped burden of proof, where even legitimate shipments risk a 40% penalty.
We break down:
- Why “guilty until proven innocent” is the new trade reality
- How the 40% tariff stacks on top of existing compliance obligations
- Practical risk scenarios every exporter and importer should prepare for
- Whether shifting focus to BRICS+ and other emerging markets may offer a more stable alternative
The conclusion is stark: we are entering an era of presumed evasion, where optics matter as much as legal origin.
