Asean's strategy against US tariffs

On April 2, President Donald Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" quickly morphed into "Solidarity Day" for all 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

Within 72 hours, the bloc's chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, had held a conference call with his Asean colleagues to discuss and coordinate a potential collective response to the president's signature move. Over the past three weeks, there has been a flurry of activity among members and across continents with dialogue partners to respond to the worldwide tariffs.

It must be said that after the Asean Economic Ministers convened a follow-up virtual meeting on April 10, the bloc displayed its magnanimity and resilience by proposing the bloc's stance. Given the current high-volume two-way trade between Asean and the US, the bloc unanimously agreed not to act with bravado and not to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to Mr Trump's unilateral actions. At the meeting, the ministers also stressed the importance of maintaining open communication and collaboration to ensure balanced and sustainable economic ties with the US.

Furthermore, the bloc also wants to engage in "frank and constructive dialogue" with Washington. At the same time, Asean reaffirmed its support for the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the platform for resolving trade disputes and fostering global economic growth. The bloc is categorically urging the WTO to serve as a forum for dialogue to reduce trade tensions.