Malaysia and ASEAN countries to send officials to the US to discuss tariff issue, says PM Anwar Ibrahim

Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said Malaysian officials will be sent to the United States to begin a dialogue on the tariff issue, reports The Star. This comes after US president announced sweeping tariffs last Wednesday (April 2, 2025), with Malaysian goods entering the US set to be subject to a 24% tax beginning April 9.

“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 on Tuesday (April 8).

“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,” he continued.

Anwar added that Malaysia would adapt as it always had, saying the country’s trade diversification strategy is already getting pace. However, while the intention is to remain trade partners with the US, Anwar noted that Malaysia will “do whatever it takes to safeguard our economic interests.”

“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.

According to him, ASEAN’s total trade in goods stands at USD3.5 trillion (about RM15.69 trillion). “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,” he noted.

In an earlier report by Bernama, Anwar said Malaysia’s planned economic growth may be slightly affected due to US tariffs. NST also reported the prime minister saying the US’ basis for calculating the 24% on Malaysian imports is “fundamentally flawed.”

The post Malaysia and ASEAN countries to send officials to the US to discuss tariff issue, says PM Anwar Ibrahim appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.