THE Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) remains firmly committed to securing the most favourable outcome for Malaysia regarding retaliatory tariffs, according to Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who is currently on a working visit to Washington, United States.
“Before meeting with senior US government officials, I held discussions with the MITI team here. We reviewed strategies and recent efforts to strengthen Malaysia-US trade relations,” Tengku Zafrul stated in a social media post.
“We are committed to finding the best solution for our shared interests,” he added during his two-day visit to the US capital.
The minister is scheduled to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other relevant officials tomorrow.
During a recent media briefing, Tengku Zafrul explained that the Malaysian delegation would also engage with business chambers, corporations, and interest groups to clarify Malaysia’s position on the tariffs and convey feedback received from the Malaysian Cabinet.
“We need to be there to clarify how Malaysia, as a neutral country, plays a key role in the semiconductor and electrical and electronics sectors. Our goal is to demonstrate that Malaysia supports industries in the US rather than posing a threat to them,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul is accompanied by MITI Deputy Secretary-General (Trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa and other officials from the ministry. Representatives from the Malaysian Embassy in Washington will also join the delegation.
He further noted that although the focus of the visit is on Malaysia, he would also present ASEAN’s broader position on the tariff issue, highlighting key points from the recent special meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers.
The Indochinese ASEAN nations have borne the brunt of the tariffs, with Cambodia facing a combined base and retaliatory rate of 49 per cent, Laos 48 per cent, Vietnam 46 per cent, and Myanmar 44 per cent. Thailand is subject to a 36 per cent tariff, Indonesia 32 per cent, Brunei and Malaysia each 24 per cent, the Philippines 17 per cent, and Singapore a base rate of 10 per cent.
All retaliatory tariffs, with the exception of those on China, are currently under a 90-day suspension period.
In a separate update titled *Seeking a Fair and Equitable Trade Solution*, Tengku Zafrul noted he also held productive discussions in Washington with US Ambassador and APEC senior official Matt Murray.
“Malaysia comes as a constructive partner, not only in bilateral contexts but also as ASEAN chair in 2025 and a committed APEC member. We appreciate the openness of the US to listen and its readiness to continue structured discussions for our mutual benefit,” Tengku Zafrul added.
Malaysia is one of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). - April 23, 2025
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