Malaysia to lead ASEAN response to US tariffs

Malaysia will lead a coordinated ASEAN response to US tariffs, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, as the region braces for economic fallout. In a video address Sunday, Anwar said Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, will push for a united front to preserve open supply chains and regional stability. He held talks with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto on joint action. Several ASEAN countries face steep tariffs—Vietnam and Cambodia at 46% and 49%, respectively, and Malaysia at 24%. Anwar said Malaysia has formed a geo-economic command centre and will engage the US to seek a “mutually acceptable solution”. While ruling out a recession, he signalled possible GDP forecast revisions. The central bank said tariff impacts on inflation remain under review.