PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed relief over the United States’ recent move to delay the enforcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs, describing the 90-day postponement as a “momentary reprieve” for Malaysia.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday during the Ministry of Energy Transition and Reform’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Anwar confirmed that Malaysia was among the countries included in the suspension.
“Malaysia is involved in the postponement, so it is a relief for the time being,” he said.
The 90-day delay includes a temporary halt to the 24% reciprocal tariff the US had planned to impose on Malaysian exports. The decision is part of a wider pause affecting more than 75 trading partners.
US President Donald Trump, who made the announcement on Wednesday, attributed the delay to ongoing diplomatic engagements and what he described as a gesture of goodwill.
The tariff freeze, however, excludes China, against whom Trump has dramatically escalated trade penalties.
While most nations were granted a 90-day reprieve, the US President imposed an immediate increase in tariffs on Chinese imports — raising duties from 84% to a staggering 125%.
Malaysia, a key player in global supply chains and a strong proponent of free trade, had been closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over the potential economic fallout from the US’s aggressive trade stance.
Anwar’s remarks echo sentiments expressed earlier by ASEAN economic ministers, who collectively called for dialogue and diplomacy over retaliation in response to the US tariffs.
The prime minister noted that the suspension provides an opportunity for further negotiation, adding that Malaysia remains committed to multilateral trade principles and constructive international engagement.
The Malaysian government, he stressed, would continue to engage with Washington in the hopes of securing a fair and lasting resolution.
In line with Anwar’s statement, global capitals have responded with a mix of relief and guarded scepticism following US President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to suspend reciprocal tariffs for 90 days—an announcement that has temporarily de-escalated trade tensions, albeit with the glaring exception of China, which now faces a punitive 125 per cent tariff on its exports to the United States.
The move, widely interpreted as a recalibration of America’s increasingly confrontational trade stance, comes on the heels of global backlash over the sweeping duties introduced earlier this month. Trading partners, particularly in Asia and Europe, had voiced concern over the economic fallout of what many described as unilateral and destabilising trade measures.
In Southeast Asia, the response was swift and coordinated. Following an emergency meeting in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN Economic Ministers issued a joint statement underscoring their preference for diplomacy over tit-for-tat trade wars.
“ASEAN will engage in a frank and constructive dialogue with the United States to address trade-related concerns,” Bernama cited the statement saying, affirming the regional bloc’s commitment to negotiation rather than retaliation.
Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, echoed the sentiment while acknowledging the ambiguity that remains.
“These latest developments will certainly be among the topics of discussion at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting that I will be chairing this morning,” he posted on social media. “Nothing is certain but uncertainty when it comes to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.”
Across the Atlantic, European leaders cautiously welcomed the delay, interpreting it as a sign that transatlantic pressure had prompted a response in Washington.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz of Germany said the European Union would remain vigilant. “We are determined to defend ourselves,” Merz told RTL Direkt, pointing to the EU’s recently approved counter-tariffs on US$23 billion worth of American goods, set to be enforced on 15 April.
“Unity helps,” he added. “Trump is currently seeing problems with his tariff policy at home. The inflation rate is rising, imports are collapsing, and exports are experiencing major difficulties.”
Calling for a longer-term resolution, Merz advocated for a sweeping transatlantic trade overhaul: “The best thing is for us all to work together to achieve zero per cent tariffs in transatlantic trade. And then the problem will be solved.”
Japan, a close US ally, responded cautiously. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo had previously raised concerns with US officials and welcomed the pause.
“First of all, we want to clarify the details of this message,” he said, according to Sputnik. “Our country has explained our concerns... and asked for a review of the measures on tariffs. In this regard, we positively assess this statement by the American side.”
Hayashi also confirmed that Japan would continue to press the US for exemptions from tariffs on steel and automobiles. – April 10, 2025
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