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Leaders attend the opening ceremony of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. Mark Balmores, PPA Pool/File

Article (news)

Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The ASEAN Economic Community Council ministers vowed to avoid trade restrictive measures in the region amid the Middle East conflict. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, who chairs the council, said the ministers agree that the region must respond collectively to the impacts brought by the war in the Middle East that has caused oil price hikes and other trade challenges.“We will keep trade open and predictable. ASEAN agreed to avoid trade restrictive measures including export bans on essential goods,” Roque said. Roque did not specify what goods are covered and for how long ASEAN members will avoid these measures.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/15/marcos-appeals-for-asia-s-coordinated-unified-response-on-fuel-crisis-1822">Marcos appeals for Asia’s ‘coordinated, unified’ response on fuel crisis </a></div>Some ASEAN countries have implemented export bans on fuel after the US and Israel&#x27;s attack on Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Ministers also discussed energy and a push for an ASEAN power grid and an emergency fuel-sharing mechanism in case of shortages in a member nation.“ASEAN is already advancing the ratification of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security- the APSA. APSA is being pursued to enable coordinated emergency fuel sharing and collective responses to supply disruptions,” Roque said.She added that ASEAN ministers vowed to safeguard energy supply for essential services like healthcare and strengthen food supply in the region.“The movement especially of food, medicines, and essentials is very important. So we cannot cause any delay for this. We [really need] to coordinate with the logistics companies,” she said.All the topics discussed will be reflected in the joint statement that will be adopted by the AEC Council, which will also be submitted to the upcoming ASEAN Summit in May in Cebu.The Philippines is the chair of ASEAN this year.“ASEAN is stronger when it acts together especially in times of uncertainty.” Roque added.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/23/palace-asean-summit-preps-unaffected-by-impeachment-hearings-flood-control-mess-1628">Palace: ASEAN Summit preps unaffected by impeachment hearings, flood control mess</a></div>

The ASEAN Economic Community Council ministers vowed to avoid trade restrictive measures in the region amid the Middle East conflict.

The ASEAN Economic Community Council ministers vowed to avoid trade restrictive measures in the region amid the Middle East conflict.

ASEAN agrees to avoid restrictive trade policies, push cooperation in energy

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ASEAN agrees to avoid restrictive trade policies, push cooperation in energy

Jekki Pascual,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 30, 2026 02:39 PM PHT

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Updated April 30, 2026 02:53 PM PHT

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