ASEAN Seeks US Talks on Tariffs, Eyes GCC Deal

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has written to U.S. President Donald Trump seeking support for a special ASEAN-U.S. summit in response to newly announced U.S. tariffs on Southeast Asian countries, which will take effect in July and could reach up to 49% for some member states. This initiative follows a mandate from ASEAN foreign ministers to seek dialogue rather than retaliation, aiming to protect open supply chains and maintain a collective regional stance. The proposed summit, tentatively planned for later in the year, is awaiting U.S. confirmation. During the 46th ASEAN Summit, Anwar also emphasized the need to preserve multilateralism and strengthen trilateral cooperation with the GCC and China. Malaysia has simultaneously launched negotiations for a free trade agreement with the GCC, focusing on sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and halal industries. These efforts reflect ASEAN's broader strategy to address shifting geopolitical dynamics and ensure resilient economic growth amid increasing global protectionism.