US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed ASEAN foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur, stating that Southeast Asian nations could receive more favourable tariff rates compared with other regions.

He based this assertion on ongoing trade negotiations, including upcoming discussions with Japan and virtually all ASEAN member states.

Rubio noted that tariff adjustments would follow a baseline set from August first, and that the door remains open to amendments through bilateral agreements .

Rubio described Southeast Asia as a region poised for demographic and economic growth, highlighting its young labour force and the role of trade in regional economic development .

He also emphasised the importance of economic and security cooperation in Asia during a joint meeting with Philippine and Japanese foreign ministers focused on the trilateral Luzon Economic Corridor initiative .

The Luzon Economic Corridor, launched in April two thousand twenty-four, aims to attract private investment in infrastructure projects across Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Plans include rail and port modernisation, clean energy, semiconductor value chains, agribusiness, and telecommunications networks.

Rubio and his counterparts announced intentions to hold senior-level trilateral discussions and further promote joint infrastructure developments .

Regional leaders have expressed concern over recent US tariff threats targeting more than twenty countries, including ASEAN members facing duties ranging from twenty to forty percent.

Rubio acknowledged these apprehensions and asserted that Southeast Asian nations are likely to benefit from more advantageous trade terms .

The Philippines is scheduled to host a state visit to the United States from July twentieth to twenty‑second.

Trade discussions are expected to feature prominently, particularly in light of ongoing tariff negotiations and the trilateral economic partnership with Japan .