Leaders from Southeast Asia gathered in Malaysia this week to talk about important issues, especially new trade tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump.
At the start of the meeting, Malaysian leader Anwar said countries are now using trade tools like tariffs (taxes on imports), export limits, and investment rules to pressure and control others, instead of helping economic growth. He didn’t name the US directly, but his message seemed to point in that direction.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is visiting Malaysia for two days to attend meetings with ASEAN and other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea. These talks are happening while many nations are worried about a possible trade war.
US Tariffs Worry ASEAN Leaders at Malaysia Meeting
The US had earlier announced heavy tariffs on imports from several countries. Although some were paused for talks, President Trump recently said the US will start taxing imports from Japan, South Korea, Malaysia (25%), and Laos (40%) starting August 1.
Vietnam, another ASEAN member, has already made a deal with the US to avoid these high taxes.
Anwar asked ASEAN’s 10 member countries to stay united and work together clearly and strongly. He said ASEAN should not just make statements but also take real steps to strengthen its policies and actions.
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