Malaysia's Anwar Warns of Weaponised Trade Amid Looming Trump Tariffs

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that global trade is being weaponised to pressure weaker nations, as Southeast Asian ministers met amid looming U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump. Speaking at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ summit, Anwar criticized the use of tariffs and trade barriers as tools of geopolitical rivalry. Six ASEAN nations, including Malaysia, face heavy U.S. tariffs unless trade deals are reached by August 1. Anwar urged ASEAN to strengthen internal economic ties and resist foreign influence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the region, with trade expected to be a key focus during his ASEAN engagements.