Southeast Asian countries are advocating for discussions with the United States regarding trade tariffs and have decided against imposing retaliatory actions, according to economic ministers from the ASEAN regional group. Before U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day halt on implementing tariffs, six out of nine Southeast Asian nations faced unexpectedly high tariffs ranging from 32% to 49% from the U.S. In contrast, the tariffs imposed on the European Union were 20%, Japan faced 24%, and India dealt with 27%. The ASEAN economic ministers expressed their joint commitment to engaging in open and constructive dialogues with the U.S. to address trade concerns, emphasizing the need for communication and cooperation to maintain a balanced and sustainable relationship. After their meeting, the ministers reiterated their backing for a transparent, fair, and rules-based system for global trade. The ASEAN, consisting of 10 members, collectively ranks as the world's fifth-largest economy and heavily depends on exports for economic growth.