Anwar: Malaysia to continue US tariff talks, relieved by relatively low rate
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will continue negotiations with the US regarding new 10% tariffs imposed due to forced labor concerns. While Malaysia is relieved to be in the lowest tariff bracket, the government remains committed to protecting national interests through further diplomatic engagement.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the intersection of international trade policy and human rights enforcement, impacting the export competitiveness of Southeast Asian economies.
PORT DICKSON, July 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government will continue negotiations with the United States over the new tariffs imposed on Malaysia related to the forced labour issue if the outcome remains unsatisfactory.
He said the government has taken note of the latest US announcement on the tariff rates, expressing relief that the rates imposed on Malaysia are relatively low. However, Anwar said further negotiations would continue to ensure the country’s interests are protected.
“Negotiations are being continued by Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry). If we do not receive a satisfactory outcome, we will raise the matter again. At the very least, we are relieved that the tariff is relatively low compared with most other countries,” he told reporters after attending the “Semarak Kenegaraan” programme at the Army Basic Training Centre (Pusasda) here today.
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