By fostering trust, ASEAN can stay resilient and cohesive amid growing external pressures.
"Asean reaffirms its stance, uniting to tackle global economic challenges and seize US tariff relief for constructive talks."
Business sector hopes Thai political stability will support policies to address global economic crisis triggered by US tariff policies
Preferential or even zero tariffs on Singapore’s pharmaceutical exports to the United States are a possible concession that has emerged in ongoing talks to navigate trade barriers recently put up by America against virtually all its trading partners.
The Malaysian government’s six-pronged strategy to ensure economic stability in the face of retaliatory tariffs from the United States has been lauded as proactive and timely.
They say it can open new markets for exporters, but warn that logistical challenges and geopolitical hurdles must be addressed for real progress.
The United States has prioritised negotiations with 20 nations, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, according to a report released by Maybank on May 16.
As the United States and Europe have sought to loosen their economic ties with China in recent years, Beijing has focused on expanding its export markets across the ‘Global South’, particularly in Southeast Asia.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
