However, Lin claimed that ASEAN nations would need to diversify their export markets if US-US negotiations fail to yield substantial tariff 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 contact.  ,
However, a closer economic partnership with China depends on how well these nations ‘ exports match Chinese need.  ,
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 South Asian products, including semiconductors and solar products.
” ASEAN is currently conducting business with a large number of various nations. These nations just didn’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 not a viable option in the long run due to the current status of the WTO’s dispute resolution process and the drawn-out character of such proceedings.  ,
While ASEAN as an organization does not have the legal authority to lodge a complaint with the WTO, personal member states have the authority to lodge complaints against other users.  ,
Lin argued that ASEAN should rather concentrate on developing strategic alliances, improving business cooperation, and using programs like the ASEAN Committee in Washington DC to communicate organized ideas to US politicians.
In such a tumultuous business atmosphere,” she said, the challenge will be to keep cognizant, lean, and forward-looking.”  ,
Ferlito claimed that working with all interested parties is the most advantageous course of action right then. He argued that these agreements facilitate 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 universe is integrated, and seeking self-reliance is utopic and not the best course of action. Economic development is achieved by looking outside rather than inwards. Therefore, he said, having solid economics requires being integrated rather than isolated.  ,
However, analysts cautioned that if the US and China’s continued tariff war turns into a full-fledged trade war, serious consequences might result for 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 credit damage if the US-China relationships collapse,” Chin predicted.  ,
Amir Yusof provided more monitoring.