ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – In response to the recent imposition of unilateral import tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, ASEAN member states have reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue over confrontation. This measured stance highlights the region’s dedication to economic stability and fair, open trade.
In an official joint statement released Thursday evening, April 10, 2025, the trade ministers of the 10 ASEAN member countries expressed serious concern over the U.S. tariffs, calling them a source of uncertainty and a significant threat to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the global supply chain.
“The unprecedented unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States risk disrupting the flow of investment and trade both regionally and globally,” the statement read.
This declaration followed a special virtual meeting held to discuss the U.S. import tariffs, which were announced on April 2, 2025, but later suspended by President Trump for 90 days on April 9 — less than 24 hours after they took effect.
ASEAN’s Commitment: Dialogue, Not Retaliation
Rather than retaliate with protectionist policies, ASEAN has opted for open and constructive dialogue with the United States to address trade concerns in a peaceful and balanced manner.
“We express our intent to engage in sincere and constructive dialogue with the United States to address trade-related concerns,” the statement continued.
The import tariffs range from 10% to 49%, with Singapore facing a base rate of 10%, while Cambodia and Vietnam are subject to tariffs of 49% and 46%, respectively. Despite the tension, the U.S. remains ASEAN’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the region’s second-largest trading partner as of 2024.
In a proactive move, ASEAN trade ministers agreed to deepen intra-ASEAN cooperation, enhance trade and investment flows among member countries, and expand economic partnerships with external partners to safeguard regional economic resilience.
Malaysia, which currently holds the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, is joined by Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Timor-Leste also participated in the meeting as an observer, pending its official membership confirmation.
Malaysian PM: ASEAN is United, Strong, and Open for Investment
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a social media post on Tuesday, reaffirmed that ASEAN is a united and resilient region, unshaken by protectionist measures from the United States.
“We have chosen the path of fair and peaceful negotiation, not hostility,” Anwar asserted.
He emphasized that ASEAN’s economy remains stable despite global uncertainties caused by the ongoing trade tensions, and stressed that the region is far more prepared than it was during the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis.
“We’ve learned from the past and built a stronger economic foundation through sound fiscal and monetary policies,” he said.
Anwar concluded by assuring global investors. “ASEAN remains open and welcoming to investment from around the world.” (AT Network)
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