Malaysia-US Tariff Talks Show Positive Momentum

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reported positive progress in ongoing negotiations with the United States to reduce unilateral tariffs imposed on Malaysian exports, which currently stand at 24 percent. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan have held excellent meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, aiming to secure a fairer tariff rate before the expiration of a 90-day suspension on July 8. Anwar emphasized the importance of transparent, rules-based international trade and urged ASEAN member states to present united trade positions to ensure fairness for the region. He highlighted the risks unilateral tariffs pose to Malaysia and global supply chains and reiterated Malaysia's commitment to strategic independence by engaging with multiple global partners including the US, China, the EU, and India. Additionally, Anwar defended ASEAN's engagement with the BRICS bloc as a constructive effort to address shared challenges rather than an anti-Western stance. The negotiations are seen as crucial to maintaining strong Malaysia-US relations and supporting regional economic stability amid rising protectionism.