BANGKOK, July 20, 2025 — Southeast Asian leaders are preparing to issue a stern warning over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies when they gather for a high-level summit on Monday. According to a leaked draft statement obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to express “deep concern” over the “unilateral and protectionist measures” introduced by Washington in recent months.These measures, particularly President Trump's sweeping tariff increases on goods from major trading partners, have rattled global financial markets and disrupted international commerce. ASEAN leaders fear the escalating trade war could deliver a severe blow to their trade-dependent economies, which are already grappling with post-pandemic recovery challenges, inflationary pressure, and supply chain disruptions.

Economic Growth Threat

“We view the current trade tensions and unilateral tariff actions as significant threats to the region’s economic stability, growth potential, and the rules-based global trading system,” the draft communique reads.The communique reflects rising anxiety across Southeast Asia, where economies like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore depend heavily on exports to the United States and China. Leaders fear that continuing trade turbulence could derail growth forecasts and trigger investor uncertainty across the region.

Chart: Key ASEAN Export Dependence (2024)

ASEAN ministers are expected to discuss a suite of policy responses, including:

• Boosting intra-ASEAN trade to reduce reliance on global giants.

• Diversifying trade partnerships with the EU, Japan, and South Korea.

• Accelerating digital trade agreements within the region.

• Strengthening regional supply chains for key industries.

A Diplomatic Tightrope

Despite the criticism aimed at Washington’s approach, ASEAN leaders are treading carefully. While the bloc wishes to uphold the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization (WTO), it also seeks to avoid provoking the U.S.—a critical investor and security partner in the Indo-Pacific. A senior diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters: “We’re not looking to pick a fight, but we must protect our interests. The global economy can’t function properly if trade rules are ignored or weaponized.” ASEAN leaders will also explore fast-tracking the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) — the world’s largest trade deal — as a buffer against external shocks.

Looking Ahead

With the summit underway, much attention is focused on whether ASEAN can deliver a unified message. The bloc’s consensus-based approach often limits direct criticism, but the intensity of this year’s statement signals a growing willingness to confront challenges to global trade head-on.

As President Trump continues to reshape U.S. trade policy with more unilateral moves, analysts say Southeast Asia is being forced to choose between long-standing alliances and pragmatic economic survival.