ASEAN criticizes U.S. over tariffs but vows no retaliation

Ministers to form task force to formulate 'forward looking' policy

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Malaysian Trade and Investment Minister Zafrul Aziz chairs an online meeting of ASEAN economic ministers on April 10 to discuss the bloc's response to the new U.S. tariffs. (ASEAN)

NORMAN GOH

KUALA LUMPUR -- ASEAN ministers have strongly criticized the U.S. for imposing sweeping tariffs on almost all nations but promised not to take retaliatory action.

The bloc will instead "engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the U.S. to address trade-related concerns," economic ministers agreed on Thursday after a three-hour virtual meeting. The gathering was scheduled before U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement overnight that he would reduce his new tariffs on most nations to 10%.

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