Total trade between Asean and the United States hit a record US$453bil (RM1.9 trillion) last year, with Asean exports surging nearly 16 to US$312bil (RM1.31 trillion), said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.br br He said the US also remained Asean’s largest source of foreign direct investment, contributing over US$42bil in 2023 — reflecting strong confidence in the region’s growth prospects.br br Tengku Zafrul also said the AEM-USTR meeting also reviewed the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa), the Enhanced Economic Engagement (E3) work plan, and global economic challenges.