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Economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations rejected retaliatory measures against the US’s reciprocal tariffs
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They instead intend to engage in a ‘frank and constructive dialogue’ to address trade-related concerns
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ASEAN economic ministers will continue to uphold commitments in ASEAN agreements and progress initiatives vital to driving trade in the region such as the Upgrade of the ASEAN Trade In Goods Agreement and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement
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As a group, ASEAN will also continue to discuss ways on how to further strengthen and boost intra-ASEAN trade and investment within the region
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Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the country “remains dedicated to ASEAN and we are ready to collaborate with fellow member states to cultivate a stronger, more strategic global partnerships”
Economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rejected retaliatory measures against the United States’ reciprocal tariffs, intending instead to engage in a “frank and constructive dialogue” to address trade-related concerns.
“Open communication and collaboration will be crucial to ensuring a balanced and sustainable relationship. In that spirit, ASEAN commits to not impose any retaliatory measures in response to the US tariffs,” according to a joint statement issued after a special meeting on April 10.
The ASEAN economic ministers also reaffirmed the “strong and enduring partnership” between the region and the US, which has been a comprehensive strategic partner for more than four decades.
Still, they noted that they were “deeply concerned over the recent introduction of unilateral tariffs by the US including the tariffs announced on 2 April 2025 and subsequently the most recent suspension on 9 April 2025.”
They explained that the move “caused uncertainty and will bring significant challenges to businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises as well as to global trade dynamics.”
“The unprecedented imposition of tariffs by the US will disrupt regional and global trade and investment flows, as well as supply chains, affecting businesses and consumers worldwide, including those of the US It will also impact economic security and stability, affect livelihoods of millions of people in the region, and hinder economic progress in ASEAN, particularly less developed economies, and the long-standing ASEAN-US economic and trade relationship. This is particularly given that in 2024, the US is ASEAN’s largest FDI source and second largest trading partner,” they added.
ASEAN also supports the recent statements by World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that highlights that US’s tariffs will have substantial implications for global trade and economic growth prospects, especially the least developed countries, and encourages the WTO to serve as a forum for dialogue to help prevent escalating trade conflict and to utilize the WTO for constructive engagement and to seek cooperative solutions.
As ways forward, ASEAN economic ministers said they reaffirm readiness “to work together with the US under the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and Expanded Economic Engagement Workplan, to explore mutually acceptable solutions on issues of common interest.”
These include facilitating two-way trade and investment, deepening strategic trade partnerships, and enhancing supply chain connectivity and resilience through digital technology and innovation, that can promote stronger regional cooperation.
ASEAN will also “remain steadfast in deepening our regional economic integration, capturing opportunities amidst global challenges and maintaining a predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, fair, inclusive, and open regional economic environment which has underpinned growth in regional trade and development.”
To this end, ASEAN economic ministers said they will continue to uphold commitments in ASEAN agreements and progress initiatives vital to driving trade in the region such as the Upgrade of the ASEAN Trade In Goods Agreement and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
They will also strengthen and expand economic links with ASEAN’s external partners, including dialogue partners, and seek out opportunities for economic cooperation with new partners.
As a group, ASEAN will also continue to discuss ways on how to further strengthen and boost intra-ASEAN trade and investment within the region.
“Therefore, this will send a strong signal of our commitment and resolute to advancing regional economic integration. 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. This collective effort will enable ASEAN to cope with and overcome the global trade crisis, minimize the impact on our people, and continue to grow sustainably,” the economic ministers said.
In a separate statement, Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the country “remains dedicated to ASEAN and we are ready to collaborate with fellow member states to cultivate a stronger, more strategic global partnerships.”
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, in a Malacañang press briefing on April 10, said based on estimates by the National Economic and Development Authority, the 17% tariff on Philippine exports to the US will have a possible 0.1% effect on the country’s gross domestic product in the next two years.
US President Donald Trump on April 2 announced the US will impose a 10% tariff on majority of goods imported to the US, effective April 5.
Aside from the new tariff, higher duties on products from dozens of countries – from allies to rivals – were also announced, effective April 9, as part of Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariff policy.
Trump said the “reciprocal” tariffs were a response to duties and other non-tariff barriers put on US goods. He argued that the new levies will boost manufacturing jobs at home.
On April 9, however, Trump suspended reciprocal tariffs for 90 days except those on China, which was imposed a higher tariff of 125%–then further adjusted to 145%–for its retaliatory tariff on US imports of 84%.
