Trade War in Focus at ASEAN Summit Ahead of Trump’s Arrival

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have opened their 49th summit in Manila, Philippines, with international trade tensions and the economic impact of United States President Donald Trump’s tariff policies featuring prominently in discussions.

The three-day meeting, which began on Sunday, November 15, brings together Southeast Asian leaders and international partners to discuss trade, regional security and geopolitical challenges.

Trump is expected to arrive in Manila on Tuesday, November 17, towards the conclusion of the summit, for meetings with ASEAN leaders and representatives of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, India, Japan and Australia.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who attended the gathering, criticised the impact of Washington’s tariffs and said his country had responded by expanding trade partnerships with other economies.

Lula disclosed that Brazil’s trade with Indonesia and Vietnam had increased by 15 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, describing diversification as an alternative to depending heavily on the United States market.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also highlighted the importance of expanding international trade partnerships. He referenced a new free-trade framework with the Philippines and ongoing trade discussions with ASEAN, saying such arrangements would create more opportunities and reduce dependence on the US market.

The summit comes amid uncertainty over the future direction of American trade policy. Although Southeast Asian exports to the United States have continued to grow, analysts warn that additional sector-specific tariffs and trade restrictions could affect the region’s competitiveness.

According to trade figures cited by analysts, US imports from ASEAN increased by more than 29 per cent to $453.6 billion in 2025, while the American trade deficit with the bloc reached $327.4 billion.

Beyond trade, regional leaders are expected to address tensions in the South China Sea, Myanmar’s ongoing conflict and wider international security concerns.

Negotiations on a proposed code of conduct between ASEAN countries and China over the disputed South China Sea have advanced but are not expected to be concluded during the summit.

The gathering is also taking place amid protests against Trump’s planned visit. Demonstrators in Manila have criticised American policies and raised concerns about a proposed US-backed supply-chain initiative involving a major artificial intelligence manufacturing hub in the Philippines.

The summit will conclude with the Philippines handing over ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship to Singapore for 2027.