US President Donald J Trump has announced a 25% import tariff on Malaysia, effective 1 August 2025.
The amount is 1% higher than what was initially announced, and Trump said it was necessary to protect the domestic industry of the US.
In a letter penned to Sultan Ibrahim ibni Sultan Almarhum, the King of Malaysia that Trump shared on his Truth Social page, Trump said that the US has decided to move forward in working with Malaysia despite the “far from reciprocal” relationship, but this time, with a balanced, fair trade.
“We can no longer allow other countries to take advantage of us.”
Trump also shared his letters to the leaders of other countries about the import tariffs.
Malaysia, however, will not be the only one with the 25% import tariff. Japan, South Korea, Tunisia, and Kazakhstan will also receive the same amount, but countries like South Africa and Bosnia will get a higher import tariff, which currently stands at 30%.
There will be no tariff in Malaysia at this point, but Trump has a reminder for the Malaysian government.
“If, for any reason, you decide to raise your tariff, then whatever number you choose to raise it by will be added onto the 25% that we charge.”
Trump highlighted that this is necessary to “correct the many years of trade deficits against the United States,” which the President dubbed a major threat to the country’s economy.
Previously, Tengku Zafrul spoke to the US government about reducing the 24% reciprocal tariff on Malaysia and revealed that the latter expected zero tariff.
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Also read: Minister Warns iPhone Prices Could Reach RM16K if Trump Continues Increasing Tariffs
