Malaysia & ASEAN Set to Discuss Tariff Issues with the US

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysian officials will be sent to the US to begin a dialogue on the tariff issue.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said Malaysian officials will be sent to the US to begin a dialogue on the tariff issue. As reported by The Star, this comes after US President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs last week, where Malaysian goods entering the US will be subjected to a 24% tax from Apr 9 onwards.

“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 earlier today.

“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,” PMX continued.

Anwar added that Malaysia will try to adapt to this new tariff, saying the country’s trade diversification strategy helps in mitigating this. With that being said, the Prime Minister noted that the country will “do whatever it takes to safeguard our economic interests,” while at the same time “intend to remain steadfast trade partners with the United States.”

“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.

Speaking of major trade markets, Anwar, who is also the ASEAN Chair this year, said the entire region’s total trade in goods stands at $3.5 trillion (RM15.69 trillion) as of now, although said figure is not guaranteed given the current circumstances.

“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.”

To further mitigate the effects of these tariffs, Malaysia will prioritise the revitalisation of strategic platforms such as the ASEAN Plus Three as mechanisms for economic resilience, as Anwar felt these tariffs are neither the first challenge to multilateralism, nor will they be the last. 

However, the Prime Minister concluded if ASEAN can hold its nerve by staying open, pragmatic and cohesive, “it may yet be among the last believers in a world that works better when it works together.”

Source: The Star