Published: 28 Apr 2025

Author: Lee Hwok-Aun

While the potential for joint action may be limited, current circumstances demand that the regional bloc expand its horizons.

Among the many Trump tariff fallouts “the world has never seen before”, to borrow the “Instigator-in-Chief’s” trademark phrase, is the scramble of multiple countries to cut a deal with the White House. Southeast Asian countries, hit with some of the harshest “reciprocal” tariffs, have joined the purported 75 seeking an audience with the Trump administration. Although the opportunity for ASEAN to act collectively may be limited, current circumstances demand that boundaries be challenged.

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https://fulcrum.sg/with-trumps-coercive-tariffs-paused-will-asean-collective-action-work/

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