ASEAN Summit 2025 — Post-Weekend Wrap-Up
Regional Achievements & Trade Upgrades
· ASEAN leaders reaffirmed commitments to trade integration, digital and green economy growth, and supply-chain resilience under the summit theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
· The bloc welcomed East Timor as its newest member — first expansion since the 1990s.
· ASEAN completed upgrades to major trade agreements:
o ACFTA 3.0 with China (covering digital economy and green industries).
o ATIGA Protocol 2, reinforcing intra-ASEAN trade.
Bilateral & Side Agreements
· India & ASEAN: Commitment to review and modernise the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
· EU & ASEAN: EU aims to lock in three more trade deals with ASEAN members (Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines) by 2027.
· Thailand & Cambodia: Expanded ceasefire and cooperation deal, contributing to regional stability.
· Canada & ASEAN: Canada is actively diversifying trade away from U.S. dependence, engaging with ASEAN members including the Philippines, and pushing toward a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
United States —Framework Announcements
· The U.S. announced economic frameworks and trade agreements with ASEAN members:
o Framework agreements with Thailand and Vietnam on supply-chain resilience, export controls, and investment-security measures.
o Finalised trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia.
· These frameworks are part of broader U.S.–ASEAN strategic engagement, including digital economy initiatives and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
· Some pillars (especially trade tariffs and rules of origin) are still under negotiation, so while announcements are made, implementation is ongoing.
The U.S. has clicked “commitment” on the social media status of ASEAN relations, posted draft plans for a “mega-upgrade,” but the contractors haven’t arrived yet — meaning full implementation is still pending.
What’s Still in Progress
· Many agreements are not yet fully ratified or implemented, including ACFTA 3.0, ATIGA upgrades, Canada-ASEAN FTA, and U.S. framework agreements.
· ASEAN is navigating global trade uncertainties (especially U.S. tariffs) while diversifying partners.
Big Picture Summary (“Burger Combo”)
· Big burger: ASEAN trade upgrades and integration, including ACFTA 3.0, ATIGA, and membership expansion.
· Fries & drink: Bilateral deals (Canada, U.S., EU, India, Thailand–Cambodia).
· Waiting for dessert: Full ratifications, detailed implementation, tariff adjustments.
Takeaway
The ASEAN 2025 summit:
· Sent strong signals of regional economic ambition.
· Strengthened bilateral relations with major partners.
· Highlighted that talking trade is easier than doing trade, with many frameworks announced but still requiring detailed implementation.
· Demonstrated ASEAN’s diversification strategy, hedging against uncertainty in major economies while strengthening internal cohesion.