Regional leaders reaffirm commitment to ASEAN-U.S. trade frameworks and deeper economic collaboration.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia. — ASEAN Economic Ministers have reiterated their commitment to constructive engagement with the United States, aiming to strengthen trade and investment ties under a forward-looking economic framework despite recent tariff adjustments by Washington.

Meeting via video conference on 10 April 2025, the ministers expressed confidence in ASEAN’s enduring relationship with the United States and its central role in regional development. The gathering, held under a Special ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, focused on maintaining economic stability and enhancing regional supply chains through mutual cooperation.

“We, the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM), reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between ASEAN and the United States (U.S.),” the ministers stated in a joint declaration. “As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner (CSP) of ASEAN, for more than four decades the U.S. has played a significant role in fostering ASEAN-centered regional architecture that promotes peace, stability, economic growth, investment, and trade in the region which has benefitted both the region and the U.S.”

While the introduction of unilateral tariffs by the U.S. in early April was noted, the ministers underlined ASEAN’s commitment to resolving trade-related matters diplomatically. “In light of these developments, we express our common intention to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the U.S. to address trade-related concerns. Open communication and collaboration will be crucial to ensuring a balanced and sustainable relationship,” the statement continued. “In that spirit, ASEAN commits to not impose any retaliatory measures in response to the U.S. tariffs.”

Rather than escalating trade tensions, ASEAN stressed its dedication to deepening cooperation under existing frameworks. “We remain committed to safeguarding ASEAN’s economic interests as well as maintaining strong and mutually beneficial trade relations with the U.S. In particular, we reaffirm our readiness to work together with the U.S. under the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Workplan,” the ministers said.

The group also reaffirmed its support for an open and rules-based multilateral trading system. “We reaffirm our support for a predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core,” the statement read. The ministers acknowledged the role of WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, referencing her remarks on the broader implications of protectionist measures on Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Looking ahead, ASEAN leaders committed to boosting intra-regional trade and enhancing connectivity in high-growth sectors such as green technology, digital services, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. “ASEAN believes that an enhanced, robust and forward-looking ASEAN-U.S. economic cooperation framework will contribute to the prosperity of our peoples and the broader global economy,” the ministers noted.

Amid global economic headwinds, ASEAN pledged to maintain unity and reinforce economic resilience. “In response to the economic repercussions that may arise, we will continue to work together more closely, with greater unity and solidarity and remain committed to ASEAN’s rule-based trade,” the ministers declared.

The joint statement concluded with a strong reaffirmation of ASEAN’s core principles—openness, regional integration, and sustainable development—positioning the bloc as a stable and proactive partner in global economic affairs.

Source: ASEAN