KUALA LUMPUR – In an urgent response to the United States’ sweeping tariff overhaul, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened a special meeting of its economic ministers on April 10, and announced the creation of a dedicated task force to assess the impact of the new U.S. trade measures.

The session, chaired by Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry—who currently holds ASEAN’s rotating presidency—was triggered by the U.S. government’s recent declaration to implement a universal 10% base tariff on all imported goods starting April 5, 2025. Countries with substantial trade surpluses against the U.S. are now facing additional penalties ranging from 15% to 45%, with ASEAN economies like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia among those affected.

ASEAN Pushes for Constructive Engagement with the U.S.

In a joint statement, the ASEAN economic ministers called on the United States to engage in a constructive and transparent dialogue aimed at resolving trade-related concerns and ensuring a balanced, predictable, and sustainable economic relationship. The ministers expressed “deep concern” over the unilateral nature of the new tariffs, warning of their ripple effects on global supply chains and regional livelihoods.

Highlights from the ASEAN Emergency Summit

• Task Force Formation: ASEAN will establish a high-level task force to analyze sector-specific vulnerabilities, coordinate legal responses via the WTO, and explore countermeasures where necessary.
• Malaysia’s Initiative Applauded: The bloc commended Malaysia’s swift leadership in organizing the summit and setting the stage for coordinated regional action.
• Commitment to U.S.-ASEAN Ties: Ministers reaffirmed the strategic importance of the ASEAN-U.S. partnership, noting that the U.S. is ASEAN’s second-largest trading partner and top investor. ASEAN, in turn, ranks as the fifth-largest trade partner for the U.S.

A Call for Rule-Based Multilateralism

ASEAN emphasized its firm commitment to a rules-based, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. Member states underlined the need to safeguard trade predictability and avoid a return to protectionist fragmentation, which could destabilize regional economies.

Strengthening Existing U.S.-ASEAN Frameworks

Ministers also pledged to reinforce cooperation through existing mechanisms, including the ASEAN-U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) and the Enhanced Economic Engagement (E3) Work Plan. These platforms, they said, offer a channel to pursue mutually beneficial solutions to current and future trade frictions.

Outlook: Strategic Realignment or Dialogue?

While ASEAN has not ruled out retaliatory measures, the tone of the summit suggests a strong preference for dialogue over confrontation. However, with tensions rising in the wake of similar U.S. trade actions against China and other partners, ASEAN’s next moves will likely depend on Washington’s willingness to engage multilaterally.

Observers say that if left unresolved, the U.S. policy shift could accelerate regional realignment efforts, pushing Southeast Asia further toward alternative trade partnerships—notably with China, the EU, and RCEP member states—to hedge against increasing U.S. unpredictability. (zai)