However, Lin claimed that ASEAN nations would need to expand their export markets if negotiations with the US don’t lead to meaningful price reductions.  ,
She noted that many are already doing this, with China still serving as a crucial companion, particularly for nations like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, which have a limited US business exposure.  ,
But, whether these nations ‘ imports are in line with Chinese need depends on their ability to become more economically aligned with China.  ,
The EU, India, the Gulf States, and deeper intra-ASEAN industry, in Lin’s opinion, are essential choices.  ,
She said that it will be crucial to improve the regional comprehensive economic partnership’s (RCEP ) implementation and exploring new free trade agreements to reduce risk of unilateral protectionist actions.  ,
China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand are all parties to the RCEP, which is a free trade agreement.  ,
But, political expert Oh Ei Sun claimed that ASEAN will have to look for different markets to deal with because the US will continue to be one of the biggest exporters of East Asian products, including semiconductors and solar products.
” ASEAN is currently conducting business with numerous different nations. These nations just doesn’t fit the high level of American consumption, Oh said.  ,
Lin argued that ASEAN may continue to invest in regional economic integration, strengthening domestic supply chains, harmonising regulations, and enhancing its desirability as a diverse and resilient manufacturing base in order to lessen the impact of US tariffs.  ,
She claimed that while a WTO issue is theoretically possible, it is also less useful in the long run due to the length of the WTO’s dispute resolution process.  ,
Specific member states have the right to complain about other members, but ASEAN as an organization does not have the legal position to do so.  ,
Lin argued that ASEAN should instead concentrate on developing strategic partnerships, improving business facilitation, and using tools like the Washington, DC, ASEAN Committee to communicate to US policymakers in a planned manner.
The key would of course be to maintain coherence, agility, and forward-thinking in such a tumultuous business culture, she said.  ,
Ferlito claimed that the most advantageous course of action right now is to actively pursue true free trade agreements with all interested parties. He explained that these contracts enable tariff-free deal between the participating countries.
That is the best course of action if we want to grow, to listen, and to make more growth opportunities, which come from bigger marketplaces, and this comes from free business.
” The earth is integrated, and seeking self-reliance is utopic and not the best course of action. Economic development is achieved by looking outside rather than inside. Therefore, having solid economics means being integrated rather than isolated,” he said.  ,
However, analysts cautioned that if the US and China’s continued price war turns into a full-fledged trade war, it could have significant effects on the ASEAN region.
Because a majority of ASEAN states rely on Chinese industry and Taiwanese money, that is a much more dangerous problem. ASEAN had undoubtedly suffer as collateral damage if the US-China relationships collapse,” Chin predicted.  ,
Amir Yusof provided extra monitoring.