Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said Malaysian officials will be sent to the United States to begin a dialogue on the tariff issue, reports The Star. This comes after US president announced sweeping tariffs last Wednesday (April 2, 2025), with Malaysian goods entering the US set to be subject to a 24% tax beginning April 9.
“Malaysia’s trade with the United States has long been a model of mutual gain. Our exports support not just growth here but high-quality jobs across the United States,” Anwar said at the Asean Investment Conference (AIC) 2025 on Tuesday (April 8).
“This commercial relationship has served both countries well, but these measures may end up harming all. Yet, we do not believe in megaphone diplomacy. As part of our soft diplomacy of quiet engagement, we will be dispatching officials, together with our colleagues in ASEAN, to Washington to begin the process of dialogue,” he continued.
Anwar added that Malaysia would adapt as it always had, saying the country’s trade diversification strategy is already getting pace. However, while the intention is to remain trade partners with the US, Anwar noted that Malaysia will “do whatever it takes to safeguard our economic interests.”
“This includes engaging proactively with the United States towards achieving a mutually beneficial outcome and at the same time, diversifying and strengthening our ties with all major trade markets across the European Union, Asia, Middle East and Africa,” said Anwar.
According to him, ASEAN’s total trade in goods stands at USD3.5 trillion (about RM15.69 trillion). “But this figure is not guaranteed. With the barrage of tariffs sweeping across the world in fast and furious fashion, we are witnessing the fraying of the global order. Therefore, ASEAN must rely more on itself,” he noted.
In an earlier report by Bernama, Anwar said Malaysia’s planned economic growth may be slightly affected due to US tariffs. NST also reported the prime minister saying the US’ basis for calculating the 24% on Malaysian imports is “fundamentally flawed.”
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
SEA countries are all easy meal for trump, he’s done his math, knowing which countries will retaliate and which will come begging for forgiveness, and call him tai kor again.
Luckily he did not go. Else he will pick fight with Trump about other country.
No need to go to US la to negotiate, Malaysia don’t bow down to foreign pressures. PMX just need to make a trip to Palestine and talk to Hamas on economic ties and Hamas will bring Malaysia’s economic growth back.
Baru agen2 ccp tempatan tau langit tu tinggi atau rendah. Habis bisnis korang tanpa pembeli terbesar di dunia kah kah kah toksah nak jilat lagi tanah atok korang
Sending the investment man don’t think there’s any good outcomes since:
1) He mention only 5.7% instead of 47% (Should have just nego to 20% and then get 10% tariff just like Singapore)
2) Happily mention Africa regional region have higher trade with Malaysia now when comparing to USA ????
3) Probably identifying which AP cronies can bring in USA car company in since he mention that AP can ensure EV sold here is safe so special our cronies can change the world wow.
Asean members should ban export of rare earth to USA whether raw or processed rare earth
There are 2 types of people we don’t negotiate or talk to, 1 – crooks. Those only lie and never honour their words. 2 – retarded and brain damaged. Why Asean go to talk to these type of people. What will you get?
Waste official going to usa. All PM Asian go for summit conference with vice jd dance to solve