Kuala lumpur: The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings have acted as a conduit for ASEAN nations to individually address concerns about United States tariffs through bilateral engagements, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He noted that economic concerns differ across countries, leading each to take its own approach in discussions with US officials.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, US President Donald Trump recently imposed new tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent on 14 countries and issued an executive order to extend the suspension of 'reciprocal tariffs' until August 1. Among ASEAN countries, some saw their tariffs reduced from earlier announcements. Vietnam's rate was lowered to 20 percent from 46 percent, while Cambodia's dropped to 36 percent from 49 percent. Laos and Myanmar also experienced tariff reductions. In contrast, Malaysia's tariff was increased to 25 percent from 24 percent.
US tariff rates for Indonesia and Thailand remain unchanged at 32 percent and 36 percent, respectively, with no final decisions yet for the Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn indicated that ASEAN foreign and economic ministers are expected to convene a joint meeting ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit in October to develop a coordinated regional response to global economic challenges.
The meeting, likely before the summit scheduled from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, comes amid growing uncertainties in global trade. ASEAN member states have already held six rounds of discussions to navigate the impact of evolving US trade policies and broader economic shifts.
Following Malaysia's bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Foreign Minister Mohamad shared that the US approved further discussions between Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and American counterparts. He emphasized the importance of managing Malaysia's export interests, particularly in electrical and electronic products, which constitute a significant portion of exports to the US.
Mohamad highlighted that the AMM provided a neutral platform for open dialogue, enabling ASEAN member states to address individual concerns, including trade and tariff issues, with major partners like the US.