Minister of investment, trade and industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will lead Malaysia’s delegation to Washington to discuss the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on Malaysia.
According to Bernama, the delegation, which is set to arrive in the US at the end of this month, will include ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) deputy secretary-general Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, other MITI officials as well as MITI representatives at Malaysia’s embassy in Washington.
“Malaysia’s position, as announced by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is that we must remain calm while at the same time engage and understand the issues that we feel are unfair to Malaysia,” said Zafrul.
“We do not want to see an escalation. A trade war will not benefit anyone. That is our opinion. We will continue our communication efforts. Our group in Washington is already working, we have a meeting in Washington and also a meeting at the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” he continued, noting that the ministry will ensure that Malaysia’s interests are safeguarded.
Zafrul was also asked if individual member states engaging the US separately contradicts ASEAN’s call for a single voice. “ASEAN, as a bloc, is quite sizeable with a combined gross domestic product of close to USD3.8 trillion (about RM17 trillion), making us the fifth largest economic bloc globally. In areas of common interest, it is important that we work together and speak as one,” he replied.
“However, each ASEAN country also has a different level of economic development and its own trade dynamics. If you look at the trade deficit of different countries in ASEAN, it is due to different reasons. But what is important is that we must all stick together on the principles,” he added.
Tariff rates imposed by the US include a 10% baseline, to which an individualised rate is tacked on depending on whether the country made it to US president Donald Trump’s “naughty list.” Cambodia is facing a tax totalling 49%, while Laos (48%), Vietnam (46%) and Myanmar (44%) are also above the 40% mark.
Other ASEAN countries affected are Thailand (36%), Indonesia (32%), Brunei (24%), Malaysia (24%) and the Philippines (17%), while Singapore is only subject to the baseline 10%. The baseline rate has already gone into effect on April 5, while individualised tariffs will be active from April 9.
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So r you gonna promote and identified which AP cronies for which other US brand of car that can bring in as AP can ensure EV cars sold here are safe and make MAGA laugh.
Its easy, just lower our 47% taxation by 24% so we get to enjoy 0% taxes from USA while still retaining 23% taxes. Even at a lower rate i doubt many rakyat will suddenly able to buy Made in USA stuff coz of our $1 to RM 4.45 exchange rate. Just let them come, USA Coke wont suddenly be cheaper than Buatan Malaysia Coke.
Local CCP agents lose face oredi lol pls remind d0g eaters who’s da boss!
nego procurement for Sunkist & Soyabean makes america great again!
where got outcome one when you are talking reason to a barbarian? trump has made his stance very clear, pay money and declare allegiance or be naughty and export tax skyrocket further
No worries la… even with the tariff PMX say we won’t go into recession.
If you believe him you will also believe he will give RM 1.50 petrol to all rakyat. Yeah right, I rather a fork tonged snake than this 3 forks tonged PM.
Hahaha….kena pi jilat big boss
Hahaha good luck. They already laughed out the EU calling them names…
Bagusnye boleh visit usa again
EU’s Ursula Von der layen has suggested zero for zero…
Why can’t Malaysia also do the same zero for zero?
If cannot..why not?
Is it because cronies’ bussiness will be affected?
Here is to 40% Politicians, 30% Cronies, 20% Family members, 7% Friends, 2.5% R-rated, 0.5% to the people crumbs as practiced for decades.
i think maybe its time we open up american beef access to malaysia, love some us steaks…