Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today that Malaysia will send officials to the United States to discuss the recently imposed 24% tariff on Malaysian imports.
In his keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference, Anwar emphasized that Malaysia’s trade relationship with the US has long been a model of mutual benefit, with Malaysian exports playing a significant role in supporting US economic growth and creating high-quality jobs. However, he expressed concern that the new tariff could negatively impact both countries’ economies.
“We do not believe in megaphone diplomacy,” Anwar stated. “As part of our approach of soft diplomacy and quiet engagement, we will dispatch officials to Washington to begin the process of dialogue.”
Anwar reassured that Malaysia will adapt to any challenges that arise. “Winds may shift, but we do not drift. Our trade diversification strategy is already gaining momentum,” he added.
The new tariffs, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, impose significant duties on imports from several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, which faces a 24% tariff alongside Brunei. Other countries in the region have been hit harder, such as Cambodia (49%), Laos (48%), and Vietnam (46%).
Reuters reported that White House economic adviser Stephen Miran suggested that countries looking to escape high US tariffs could propose measures to President Trump that would lower barriers to US exports.
Despite the challenges, Anwar assured that Malaysia would remain committed to maintaining strong trade ties with the US. At the same time, the country will continue to safeguard its economic interests by diversifying and strengthening trade relations with key markets in the EU, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Anwar also touched on the importance of developing Malaysia’s border areas, particularly those along the northern peninsula with Thailand and the borders of Sabah and Sarawak with Kalimantan, to boost economic activities and benefit local communities.
Additionally, he highlighted the need for greater regional integration within ASEAN, which would help nurture regional champions in sectors like financial services, energy, healthcare, tourism, telecommunications, and logistics.
Anwar noted that while ASEAN’s progress may sometimes seem slow, the organization has always proven its resilience. “We must move from rhetoric to execution,” he said. “Tariff liberalization in the region is largely complete, but there is still much to be done in regulatory alignment, cross-border logistics, and digital connectivity.”
“In challenging times, there may be a temptation to retreat into nostalgia or fatalism,” Anwar remarked. “But ASEAN’s strength lies in its ability to evolve. Its durability, not drama, is what makes it strong.”
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