Tariff talks with US making good progress, says minister
Investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz and the Malaysian delegation during their discussions with the US officials on the reciprocal tariffs. (Facebook pic)
KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia's discussions with the US trade representative and secretary of commerce on tariff-related negotiations have made good progress, says investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
Tengku Zafrul said both the Malaysian and US representatives have expressed their intention to finalise negotiations before the expiry of the 90-day pause on tariff implementation.
They have also agreed to intensify efforts to reach an agreement acceptable to key stakeholders in both countries.
In a statement today, he said the US has been one of Malaysia's top three export markets over the past decade.
'In May 2025, exports to the US recorded the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth,' he said.
A significant share of Malaysia's exports to the US supports and complements US domestic industries in sectors such as electrical and electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, machinery, equipment, and parts.
Malaysia also serves as a key supplier of intermediate goods to US-based manufacturing industries.
'Miti has remained steadfast in upholding Malaysia's interests in all trade and investment relations, particularly in safeguarding the integrity of Malaysia's domestic commitments and sovereign rights,' Tengku Zafrul said.
He said the ministry anticipates the negotiations will help secure Malaysia's supply chains and deliver positive spillovers to local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, while also creating more high-paying jobs for Malaysians.
'These efforts will further strengthen Malaysia's position as a preferred investment destination in the region and drive the government's economic transformation agenda towards becoming a high-tech, high-income nation,' he said.
Tengku Zafrul led an official visit to Washington from June 18 to 20. The visit focused on continuing US tariff-related engagement and negotiations with trade representative Jamieson Greer and secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick.
Tengku Zafrul was accompanied by the ministry's chief negotiator, the deputy chief of mission from the Malaysian embassy, and ministry officials based in Washington.
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