Malaysia’s Leader Calls for Teamwork Against New U.S. Tariffs!
Hey there! Have you ever played in a team where everyone had to work together to win a game? Well, that’s what Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, is asking countries in Southeast Asia to do! 🌏🤝
Recently, the United States, led by President Donald Trump, decided to put tariffs on goods coming from other countries. Tariffs are like extra taxes that make imported things more expensive. This can make it harder for countries to sell their products in the U.S. 😟
These new tariffs have made many countries worried, including those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN for short. ASEAN is a group of 10 countries in Southeast Asia that work together on things like trade and economics. 🛍️💰
Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other countries in ASEAN have been hit with these tariffs. For example, Vietnam now has to pay a 46% tariff on its exports to the U.S.! That’s almost half the price added on! 😲
Prime Minister Anwar said, “We must stand firm together as ASEAN – with a population of 640 million and an economic strength that is among the top in the world.” He believes that if the countries unite, they can find a better way to handle these tariffs. 💪🌟
On Thursday, the economic ministers from these countries will meet to talk about what to do next. They want to work as a team, just like in a big group project at school, to make sure everyone is treated fairly. 📚✏️
Even though they are unhappy about the tariffs, the ASEAN countries have decided not to fight back by adding their own tariffs. Malaysia’s Trade Minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, said, “I think two wrongs don’t make a right.” They hope staying calm will prevent a bigger problem called a trade war, which can hurt everyone’s economies. 🕊️🌐
It’s like when there’s a disagreement, and instead of arguing back, you try to talk it out peacefully. Let’s hope these countries can work together to find a solution! 🤞❤️
Reference(s):
Malaysian PM: Southeast Asia must 'stand firm' against U.S. tariffs
cgtn.com
