ASEAN Customs Leaders Raise Concerns Over US Tariffs and Trade Barriers

By supplychainreport

Senior customs officials from ASEAN member countries have expressed concerns regarding recent tariff measures imposed by the United States, citing potential implications for investor confidence and regional economic development.

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The concerns were outlined in a joint statement released following the conclusion of the 34th ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting, held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, from June 3 to 5. Cambodia’s delegation was led by Kun Nhim, Director-General of the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE). A delegation from Timor-Leste also attended as observers.

According to the statement, the officials warned that unilateral tariff actions could contribute to uncertainty in global trade and create challenges for businesses, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the ASEAN region. The statement emphasized that such measures may hinder trade and investment flows, both regionally and globally.

During the meeting, ASEAN customs officials reviewed progress under the ASEAN Customs Development Strategic Plan 2021–2025 and the implementation of the ASEAN Single Window system. The agenda also included updates on trade data exchange frameworks intended to improve risk management and regulatory compliance in cross-border e-commerce.

Notably, participants endorsed several initiatives, including the ASEAN Customs Development Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a new Customs Valuation Guideline for 2025, guidelines on customs valuation data sharing, and the ASEAN Integrity Risk Map.

The statement reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to a predictable, transparent, and inclusive multilateral trading system, aligned with the rules and principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In addition to internal discussions, ASEAN customs officials held bilateral consultations with the World Customs Organization (WCO), as well as the customs authorities of Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea. These dialogues focused on enhancing technical cooperation, exchanging best practices, and jointly addressing challenges such as illegal trade and evolving trade conditions.

The meeting also featured engagements with major business groups, including the ASEAN Business Council (ABC), the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC), and the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC). These consultations aimed to strengthen public-private partnerships and facilitate trade across the region.

Looking ahead, the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia is set to host the 35th ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting in mid-2026, in line with the rotational schedule and alphabetical order.

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