Malaysia will dispatch its trade and second finance ministers to the United States later this month to address U.S. tariff measures, in line with a collective ASEAN response to rising trade tensions, the government said Thursday.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Fahmi — who also serves as the government’s spokesperson — said the mission is part of a broader ASEAN initiative aimed at jointly responding to tariff actions under U.S. President Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” trade strategy.
“This is also a result of the consensus reached among ASEAN countries to jointly address the U.S. tariff issues,” Fahmi said. “We will see the results after they return.”
Malaysia is facing a 24 percent tariff under Trump’s proposed measures, although most of the new duties have been suspended until July. Southeast Asian economies have been particularly impacted by the threat of U.S. tariffs, which target countries with large trade surpluses.
Despite the pressure, Malaysia has ruled out retaliatory tariffs. Last week, the trade ministry said Malaysian embassy officials in Washington were already engaging with U.S. counterparts to seek a resolution.
Unlike some other Asian nations, Malaysia has not announced plans to increase purchases of U.S. goods in order to reduce its trade surplus with Washington — a tactic previously used by countries such as Japan and South Korea.
The upcoming high-level trip is expected to focus on negotiating exemptions or reductions in tariffs and reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to fair trade practices under the existing bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
Read next
19:30
Energy Tensions
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
18:30
Sporting Celebration
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
17:30
Court Proceedings
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
17:00
Deadly Strikes
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
16:30
Nuclear Deals
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment