Talks on free trade deals between the European Union and Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines were “advancing very well”, the EU trade commissioner said on Thursday as the bloc sought to cement commercial ties in Southeast Asia.Maros Sefcovic’s comments came two days after the EU signed a trade deal with Indonesia, the region’s largest economy, after wrapping up nearly a decade of talks.”My message to my partners in ASEAN was that we do not want to stop here,” Sefcovic told journalists before meeting economic ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur.”We have been advancing very well in our free trade negotiations with Thailand, with the Philippines, but also with Malaysia,” he said.Brussels is seeking to strengthen ties beyond traditional trading partners in what is seen as a strategic response to global trade uncertainties and protectionism, particularly triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.Sefcovic said he hoped current trade deals between the 27-nation EU and ASEAN partners would be finalised by 2027, which will mark half a century of negotiations between the two blocs.”It would really cement, I would say, the importance of our relationship,” Sefcovic said.The Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was signed on Tuesday and is expected to be fully implemented by January 2027.The long-awaited trade deal will open investment in strategic sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Wednesday Washington expected to finalise trade agreements with more Southeast Asian nations “in the coming months”. However, Greer, who spoke at the start of the ASEAN meeting of economic ministers, did not provide details or the names of countries involved. US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of between 10 and 40 percent on ASEAN member states, with Laos and Myanmar facing the highest rate, while Singapore faced a baseline 10 percent levy.
Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:44:05 GMT