Manila, April 10 -- The Philippines has reaffirmed its support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by standing in solidarity with the bloc in its decision not to retaliate against the United States' reciprocal tariffs, signaling a unified regional approach to the global trade challenge.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque attended the virtual ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Special Meeting on Thursday, where discussions focused on the bloc's response on the US' imposition of tariffs.

The AEM said in a joint statement that ASEAN commits not to impose any retaliatory measures over the issue.

"We recognized the necessity for a comprehensive impact assessment to fully understand the direct a...