ASX defensive stocks could be the right way to play the uncertainty. If the tariff trade war hardly impacts their earnings, it's possible their share prices could be more resilient than the overall market.

No stock is immune to declines, that's just how the market works. But, relative stability could be very appealing in the current environment, particularly if they're able to supplement the returns with passive income.

I'd say a number of sectors are not defensive because their profit could be cyclical, or exposed to the economy, such as ASX mining shares, ASX retail shares and ASX financial shares.

Instead, to be counted as ASX defensive stocks, I'm looking for businesses where their operating earnings could climb higher in the coming years. Let's get into the sorts of businesses I'd consider.

ASX defensive stocks I like

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) is one business I recently invested in. It's a real estate investment trust (REIT) that leases warehouses to blue-chip tenants. The weighted average lease expiry (WALE) is around seven years, so the rental income is locked in for a long time. It's expecting to pay a distribution that equates to a yield of 5.6% in FY25. As a bonus, it's trading at a 25% discount to its net tangible assets (NTA) and I believe further interest rate cuts could be a significant tailwind for the ASX defensive stock's valuation.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) provides an internet connection to millions of Australians and numerous businesses. I don't think Australians will disconnect just because of a trade war, so its earnings could be very defensive. Given how Australia is becoming more technologically advanced over time, I believe Telstra's 5G offering will become increasingly popular and attract more subscribers. Its latest two dividends come to 18.5 cents, which is a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.1%, including franking credits.

APA Group (ASX: APA) is the owner and operator of a huge network of gas pipelines around Australia, it transports half of the country's usage. The ASX defensive stock also has investments in gas storage, processing and gas energy generation, as well as solar farms, wind farms and electricity transmission. Its customers will continue to need energy, even in a downturn, and its revenue is usefully linked to inflation. The business has grown its distribution every year since 2004 and it's planning to pay a distribution yield of 7.1% in FY25.

I think the above ASX defensive stocks could be top picks in the current unstable environment.