BANGKOK, 18 April - ASEAN rejects any form of unilaterally imposed tariffs as such measures are seen to contradict the spirit of multilateralism.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized this stance when commenting on the United States' (US) action of imposing tariffs on Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia.

The Prime Minister said he had the opportunity to discuss the matter with his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, during a two-day working visit to the neighboring country.

"We are building ASEAN consensus. Number one, of course, ASEAN is for free trade, for multilateralism," he said.

"So, we are taking the stance that we do not agree with any unilateral imposition of duties and tariffs that goes against the spirit of multilateral arrangements. So, that is the consensus," he added.

The Prime Minister also shared that he had consulted directly with all ASEAN leaders, as well as Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, to formulate a joint strategy to address global trade tensions.

Bilateral negotiations will be continued by the ASEAN Trade Ministers in Washington, including the participation of Thailand and Malaysia, to convey ASEAN's common stance more firmly.

On 3 April, the US administration implemented a minimum 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries under its Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Policy.

Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indo-China, are the most affected, with Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, among those receiving the highest tariff rates, reaching up to 49 percent.

Malaysia is also affected with a tariff rate of 24 percent, the same as Brunei.

Thailand is subject to a tariff of 36 percent, while Indonesia faces 32 percent, and Singapore has the minimum rate of 10 percent.

However, those tariffs have been paused for 90 days, except for those on China, but ASEAN has agreed to continue championing fair and open trade in the region.