ASEAN rejects any form of unilaterally imposed tariffs, says Malaysian PM

Anwar discusses new tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump with Thai counterpart Shinawatra

BANGKOK, Thailand (MNTV) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday reaffirmed that Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rejects any form of unilaterally imposed tariffs, stating that such measures contradict the spirit of multilateralism, reports the Star.

Anwar said he had the opportunity to discuss the matter with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, regarding the new tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump.

He noted that the meetings of ASEAN Trade Ministers and Finance Ministers were partly aimed at preparing for the ongoing negotiations related to the unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States.

“We have built an ASEAN consensus. ASEAN supports free trade and multilateralism. We take the position that we do not agree with any unilateral imposition of tariffs, as it runs contrary to the principles of multilateral arrangements,” he told a press conference at the conclusion of his working visit to Thailand here on Friday.

Anwar emphasised that this stance reflects the collective consensus of ASEAN regarding the US tariffs.

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction with the alignment of views among Asean and key regional partners, including Japan and New Zealand.

Anwar said he is pleased that the Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon, and ASEAN leaders collectively agree on the need to utilise multilateral mechanisms and engage in dialogue with the United States.