The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) today proposed a special summit with the United States to discuss the economic repercussions of recent tariff measures announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz, whose country currently chairs the 10-nation bloc, stated in a televised interview that all ASEAN leaders are prepared to travel to the U.S. for direct talks with President Trump during the proposed summit.

Minister Zafrul emphasized ASEAN's opposition to retaliatory measures, stressing the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue with Washington. He noted that the ASEAN Secretariat is awaiting an official response from the U.S. regarding the summit's timing and location.

The Malaysian minister reiterated his country's commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, confirming ongoing discussions between Malaysian officials and their U.S. counterparts in Washington about the new tariffs' economic impact.

This development follows yesterday's joint statement by ASEAN economic ministers reaffirming their commitment to "frank and constructive" dialogue with the U.S. while rejecting any retaliatory actions that could destabilize global trade.

The announcement comes as President Trump signaled a potential breakthrough in tariff negotiations, suggesting most recently imposed global tariffs might be suspended for 90 days pending finalization of reciprocal trade agreements.