The European Union is making headway in free trade talks with the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, according to EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur at a meeting with ASEAN economic ministers, he said negotiations are progressing well and he expects agreements to be signed by next year. These deals are seen as stepping stones to a larger EU-ASEAN free trade pact.
The EU already has trade agreements with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia—the latest finalized on September 23, 2025, after nine years, aimed at boosting exports and investment while countering U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. Sefcovic noted that trade with Singapore is up 32% and Vietnam 47% since their deals began, and he’s pushing to conclude these new agreements before the EU-ASEAN 50th anniversary in 2027.
Previous talks, especially with Malaysia, stalled over issues like palm oil and protectionism, with Malaysia halting negotiations in 2012. But with U.S. tariffs looming, there’s renewed urgency to strengthen these partnerships for economic stability.
