Part 7/9:
Turning to Southeast Asia, finance ministers and central bank governors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Kuala Lumpur for a four-day summit aimed at addressing the escalating economic pressures resulting from U.S. policy changes. Malaysia, leading the discussions, underscored membership unity and the fortification of mechanisms to maintain open supply chains.
Countries like Vietnam have been notably vocal, with their leaders directly appealing to Trump for a delay on tariffs that could substantially affect their GDP. Similarly, Indonesia and Thailand are strategizing to counteract the economic fallout, marking a collaborative push from Southeast Asian partners to safeguard their interests.