Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the Asean economic ministers reached a strong consensus for an “open and constructive dialogue with the United States” on the reciprocal tariffs it imposed and its 90-day pause.
In a separate statement, the Asean economic ministers jointly expressed deep concerns over the US’ unilateral moves on its trading partner, which forms the fifth-largest economy in the world.
The Asean Economic Ministers held a virtual meeting on Thursday.
Roque said the Asean ministers view the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs as “a positive, albeit temporary, development.”
Roque said the ministers intend to forge a unified regional response to the tariffs.
“We recognized the necessity of a comprehensive impact assessment to fully understand these tariffs’ direct and indirect consequences on Asean member states. We recognized the need to formulate effective mitigation strategies, ensure our member states’ interests’ protection, and maintain our investors’ confidence,” Roque said, quoting an Asean statement.
According to Roque, the ministers vowed to strengthen Asean’s partnership with the US by enhancing existing cooperation platforms such as the Trade and Investment Facilitation Agreement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Workplan.
Additionally, Asean will explore new agreements to bolster supply chain resilience and expand market access, demonstrating the group’s commitment to proactive engagement with the US, she said.
TIFA and the E3 Workplan are initiatives to cooperate between Asean and the US in areas such as digital trade, trade facilitation, support for micro and small enterprises, and standard harmonization.
In the joint statement, Asean ministers said the US action has caused uncertainty and will significantly challenge businesses, especially MSMEs, and global trade dynamics.
The Asean said the unprecedented imposition of tariffs by the US will disrupt regional and global trade and investment flows, as well as supply chains, affecting businesses and consumers worldwide, including those of the US.
“It will also impact economic security and stability, affect livelihoods of millions of people in the region, and hinder economic progress in Asean, particularly less developed economies, and the long-standing Asean-US economic and trade relationship,” the statement said.
The ministers said that in 2024, the US was Asean’s largest source of foreign direct investments and its fifth-largest trading partner.
“In light of these developments, we express our common intention to engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the US to address trade-related concerns, the Asean statement read.
Roque said the Philippines has expressed its continued dedication to Asean and its readiness to collaborate with its fellow member-states “to cultivate stronger, more strategic global partnerships.”
Roque said the Philippines joins fellow countries in the region, reaffirming its commitment to finalizing the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement or ATIGA Upgrade and advancing negotiations for the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
Both are targeted for completion this year, she added.
The DTI said ATIGA is the primary agreement used by Asean member states to trade and plays an important role in Asean’s economic integration. It aims to ensure the agreement remains modern and adaptive to future challenges.
The last negotiations on the ATIGA Upgrade took place in February 2025, it said.
The DTI also said the Asean economic ministers provided strategic guidance in overcoming the remaining issues, which include streamlining trade processes, enhancing regulatory alignment, and utilizing the agreement.
At the 44th Asean Summit in Laos in October 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Digital Economy Framework Agreement will elevate the Asean digital economy to $2 trillion by 2030, according to a Palace statement on Oct. 9, 2024.
President Marcos cited in the statement the importance of investing in robust cybersecurity, equipping people with digital skills, and establishing vital digital infrastructure to secure Asean’s economic trajectory.
