On April 2, President Donald Trump announced that the United States (US) would slap a 10% base tariff on all imports, with even higher rates for certain countries, including Malaysia.
In response, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul will be heading to Washington to discuss the new tariffs on Malaysian goods.
“We’re not looking to escalate things”
Tengku Zafrul emphasised that Malaysia is staying calm and committed to handling things constructively, even as tensions rise over Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement.
He also mentioned that, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, Malaysians should stay calm while also understanding and addressing issues that are unfair to the country.
“We’re not looking for things to escalate because a trade war won’t help anyone. That’s our view. We’ll keep the conversations (efforts) going. Our team in Washington is already working on this, and we have meetings lined up there and with the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” he said.
“Malaysia’s interest is a top priority”
Tengku Zafrul will be heading to Washington with MITI’s deputy secretary-general (trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, and several other ministry officials.
Meanwhile, MITI representatives from the Malaysian Embassy in Washington will also be joining the delegation.
The ministry assured that Malaysia’s interests will be a top priority throughout all discussions and negotiations.
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