(VOVWORLD) - The United States expects to finalize trade deals with more Southeast Asian countries in the coming months, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said during a meeting with regional counterparts on Wednesday.
 US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer delivers opening remarks during the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and US trade representative consultation, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia September 24, 2025. (Photo: REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain) |
The trade representative was speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the start of a meeting with ASEAN economic ministers, amid concerns within the bloc over the impact of high US tariffs.
Greer said talks with respective countries on the levies have been progressing well, resulting in some deals being announced while others will be finalized "in the coming months or even weeks, for some."
"We believe that there are many areas where our interests align, and we can work together to achieve shared goals of bringing reciprocity and balance to the global trading system," he said.
Tariff rates have been set at 19% and 20% for most of the region. Laos and Myanmar have been hit with a 40% rate, while Singapore has a 10% tariff.