Malaysia in active talks with US, aims to secure tariff below 20 pct - Tengku Zafrul

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is actively engaging in discussions with the United States (US) over the impending 25 per cent tariffs set to take effect on Aug 1, aiming to secure a tariff rate below the 20 per cent level, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

AI Brief

Malaysia is still negotiating trade deal terms with the US, aiming to meet the deadline without delay.
No formal discussions on extending the deadline have taken place; final decision rests with the Trump administration.
Malaysia stresses it cannot offer terms that harm its industries, highlighting the complexity of the deal.

He said an announcement is expected once the terms are finalised.

"Discussions are ongoing. In fact, negotiations are continuing this week, so we remain on track to meet the deadline. Once the terms are agreed upon, I believe an announcement will be made," he told reporters at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit (ASEMIS) 2025.

On the possibility of a deadline extension, Tengku Zafrul said it would ultimately depend on the administration of US President Donald Trump, noting that no formal talks on an extension have been held so far.

"Every country faces different challenges when it comes to what we can offer. We cannot offer things we don't have or things that we feel may be detrimental to the Malaysian industry. These are factors we must carefully consider," he said.

-- BERNAMA