Malaysia to lead ASEAN effort in Washington talks on US tariffs

MALAYSIA will send two senior ministers to Washington later this month to begin high-level discussions with the White House on the impact of steep US tariffs on ASEAN member states, as the region seeks a collective response to growing trade pressure.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will represent Malaysia in the talks, which follow a special meeting of ASEAN economic ministers held recently to address rising concerns over escalating tariff measures imposed by the United States.

The move is seen as a significant diplomatic step for Malaysia, which will be speaking not only on its own behalf but as a representative of the wider ASEAN bloc, including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar – all of which have been subjected to sharply increased import duties.

“At the end of this month, both ministers will carry the ASEAN consensus reached at the recent meeting into discussions with the White House regarding tariff issues,” said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at a press briefing on Thursday.

“This is part of a unified ASEAN effort to address US tariffs collectively. We will wait to see the outcome once the delegation returns,” he added.

The tariff rates faced by some ASEAN economies have surged to punitive levels. Cambodia is currently subject to combined base and reciprocal tariffs of 49 per cent, followed by Laos at 48 per cent, Vietnam at 46 per cent, and Myanmar at 44 per cent.

Malaysia, which maintains robust trade relations with both the US and its ASEAN neighbours, is seen as well-positioned to facilitate a constructive dialogue with Washington.

The upcoming visit underscores ASEAN’s increasingly coordinated approach to managing geopolitical and economic shifts affecting the region’s export-driven economies.

The visit is expected to focus on securing tariff relief or exemptions, promoting fairer trade terms, and safeguarding the competitiveness of ASEAN exports in the face of growing protectionist policies. - April 17, 2025