ASEAN has not yet confirmed a date for its Special Leaders’ Meeting to address the sweeping US tariff measures, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said as Malaysia leads diplomatic efforts to align the bloc’s response to Washington’s 90-day tariff reprieve.
Speaking to reporters following the conclusion of the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM), Anwar explained that preparations are underway to convene the high-level summit, which will explore ASEAN’s path forward in mitigating disruptions to regional trade triggered by the United States’ recent imposition of unilateral tariffs on over 160 countries—including all 10 ASEAN member states.
“As chair of ASEAN this year, Malaysia is actively working to coordinate a date for the Special Leaders’ Meeting,” Anwar said in response to media queries about the summit first announced by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz earlier in the day.
Tengku Zafrul had chaired a virtual Special ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting on Thursday morning, where ministers from across the region reiterated their collective rejection of the tariff hikes and reaffirmed a commitment to dialogue over retaliation.
Asked whether ASEAN intends to lodge a formal complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the United States, Anwar said the option is still under active consideration.
“We are discussing it,” he stated briefly, without elaborating on a timeline or legal strategy.
Anwar had previously argued that trade disputes—including those related to tariffs—should be resolved through established multilateral mechanisms such as the WTO, not unilateral action.
“Countries should not resort to megaphone diplomacy,” he said earlier this week, in a veiled reference to the US administration’s public declarations.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement posted to his official X account on Thursday, Anwar revealed that he had spoken with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon regarding the tariff issue.
Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ shared commitment to strengthening dialogue and pursuing a coordinated response.
“I also highlighted Malaysia’s initiative to host a Special ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting today to further discuss this issue and develop collective solutions,” Anwar said.
“We both agreed on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, including coordinating our response to the US tariffs.”
Anwar added ASEAN unity is crucial in confronting the economic headwinds posed by unilateral trade policies. “The only way forward is together,” he said.
The move to include wider regional dialogue, such as with New Zealand, underscores ASEAN’s strategy to deepen cooperation with like-minded trading partners amid global economic uncertainty.
Tengku Zafrul noted on Wednesday that Malaysia aims to boost bilateral trade with New Zealand by 50 per cent, targeting a value of RM25.67 billion by 2030. “Malaysia values trusted trading partners like New Zealand, particularly in these uncertain economic times,” he said.
The tariff controversy began on 2 April when US President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping reciprocal tariffs—some as high as 49%—on a wide range of imports.
However, on 9 April, he announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs for most countries, while maintaining the base rate of 10%. China was excluded from the reprieve, and its imports are now subject to a sharply higher 125% tariff.
While ASEAN leaders welcomed the temporary pause, they have been swift to stress the need for long-term solutions grounded in multilateralism, and to avoid setting dangerous precedents in international trade relations. – April 10, 2025
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