Malaysia calls for stronger inter‑ASEAN trade amid escalating tariff threats.
At a gathering of foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered a forceful appeal for ASEAN nations to step up internal trade cooperation to resist external economic pressure. He warned that geopolitical rivalries are increasingly expressed through tariffs, export restrictions, and investment barriers .
Anwar didn't name the U.S., but it’s clear he aimed at the recent decision to impose 25–40% tariffs on six ASEAN countries, with only Vietnam successfully negotiating a reduction to 20% . He urged fellow members to “act with purpose,” invest locally, and view regional integration as their strongest safeguard .
Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz confirmed Malaysia won’t retaliate for now, highlighting ongoing talks with USTR and staying optimistic about reaching a deal before the August 1 deadline . Anwar added that Southeast Asia must see this not as a “passing storm” but as a structural shift in global trade dynamics .
The summit also addressed internal regional issues—such as Myanmar’s civil conflict and the Thailand-Cambodia border standoff—underscoring how external economic shocks could amplify existing vulnerabilities in ASEAN’s cohesion.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
Talksocialtalks
