ASEAN says tariffs unfair, pose threat to free trade

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has raised concerns over rising global uncertainties brought by the "unilateral actions relating to tariffs".

In a communique issued on Friday at the conclusion of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the regional bloc said the imposition of the tariffs is counterproductive, may exacerbate global economic fragmentation and poses complex challenges to regional stability and growth.

"We underscored the importance of a predictable, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, sustainable and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core," the foreign ministers said in their joint statement.