ASEAN Faces US Tariff Challenge, Malaysia Leads Response

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to visit Thailand to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, security, and border management, while also working with ASEAN advisors to strengthen regional collaboration. This visit comes amid significant economic uncertainty following the US imposition of steep tariffs on Asian imports, though most duties were paused and replaced with a universal 10% rate, except for China which faces rates exceeding 125%. As the current ASEAN chair, Malaysia is leveraging its diplomatic position to coordinate a unified response to the US trade measures. Anwar has called for collective ASEAN action, prioritizing reform, economic resilience, and regional integration over individual negotiations with the US. Analysts warn that ASEAN's lack of a unified strategy increases member vulnerability, spurring debate over economic diversification and deeper cooperation. The evolving situation highlights the importance of ASEAN solidarity in responding to external economic pressures.