Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned that global trade is being weaponized as U.S. tariffs loom over Southeast Asia. Speaking at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Wednesday, Anwar urged the bloc to strengthen regional trade and reduce reliance on external powers. Starting August 1, U.S. tariffs of up to 40% could hit exports from six ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. While Vietnam has negotiated reduced tariffs, others are still in talks. Malaysia’s central bank has cut interest rates to counter economic pressures. ASEAN aims to assert its voice amid rising geopolitical tensions, with key meetings involving the U.S., China, and Russia later this week.Read More
