Thailand, Malaysia strengthen ASEAN trade ties amid US policy shifts

Thailand and Malaysia have reinforced ASEAN trade cooperation in response to recent US tariff measures, following bilateral talks between Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan and Malaysia’s Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Both sides voiced concerns about the impact of US policies on the region and backed ASEAN’s April 10 joint statement reaffirming solidarity and a commitment to a rules-based trading system. Thailand proposed accelerating a strategic ASEAN meeting to unify the bloc’s stance ahead of negotiations with Washington. Bilateral trade between Thailand and Malaysia rose 3.88% to over USD26bn in 2024, though Thailand recorded a trade deficit. ASEAN leaders are expected to advance discussions during the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council meeting and the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May.