KUALA LUMPUR (July 9): The imposition of the new reciprocal US tariff could present a greater opportunity to strengthen intra-Asean trade, said Philippines Foreign Secretary Ma Theresa P Lazaro.

She emphasised fostering regional resilience and Asean unity over individual advantage, although the Philippines may face lower tariffs compared to some other Asean countries.

“The meaning of all of these issues on tariffs just gives us a direction, and the direction is to strengthen intra-Asean trade.

“I believe that Asean's relationship with the US, along with the principles of non-retaliation and cooperation, is crucial. We need to work together and engage in negotiations. While these discussions may be bilateral, they also pertain to Asean as a whole,” she said on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) here on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump on Monday imposed new tariffs ranging from 25% to 40% on 14 countries and issued an executive order to extend the suspension of “reciprocal tariffs” until Aug 1.

Among Asean countries, several received lower tariffs than initially announced on April 2. Vietnam’s rate was reduced to 20% from 46%; Cambodia’s dropped to 36% from 49%; Laos saw a decrease to 40% from 48%; and Myanmar’s rate was revised down to 40% from 44%.

Meanwhile, the US decided to maintain Indonesia’s and Thailand’s tariff rates at 32% and 36%, respectively, while Malaysia saw an increase to 25% from 24% previously.

However, the US has not yet announced final tariff decisions for the Philippines (17%), Singapore (10%), and Brunei (24%).

It was reported that the US ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, said that both countries are working diligently to finalise a trade agreement, as Manila continues negotiations on the reciprocal tariffs imposed on the country.

The 58th AMM and related meetings are taking place from July 8 to 11 under Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship 2025, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, featuring 24 ministerial-level meetings involving Asean Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.

The four-day high-level event brings together around 1,500 delegates, including foreign ministers of Asean countries, Timor-Leste’s foreign minister, Asean Dialogue Partners, Asean Regional Forum (ARF) participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior Asean Secretariat officials.

This marks the fifth time Malaysia has held the Asean chairmanship since joining the regional bloc, having previously done so in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

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