"Exports will likely become a growth drag this year after being a growth driver last year," Nomura said in a note. China's June trade surplus is forecast at $109 billion, up from $103.22 billion in May.

THE Philippines faces a significant challenge in its bid to become a new hub for manufacturers leaving China, as it is poised for “intense competition” from Vie

At the heart of Trump’s latest trade deal with Vietnam and talks with other trading partners is an effort to counter what he sees as China’s unfair practices to circumvent U.S. tariffs.

Vietnam is preparing stricter penalties to crack down on trade fraud and the illegal transshipment of goods, and has focused its inspections on Chinese products as it tries to comply with commitments made to Washington,

Vietnam was the first in Asia to strike a deal, but it has little leverage against Washington, and is now facing levies up to 40%. The same goes for Cambodia. A poor country heavily reliant on exports, it has been negotiating a deal as Trump threatens 35% tariffs.

An initial trade deal with Vietnam offers a glimpse of how President Trump is pushing countries to cut back on trade with China.