Negotiations with US on tariffs progressing well, Malaysian trade minister says
By Dalila Abu Bakar ( June 23, 2025, 01:46 GMT | Insight) -- Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Aziz said meetings last week with senior US officials to discuss tariffs progressed well and both countries have expressed an intention to finalize the negotiations before the expiry of the 90-day pause on US tariffs ends on July 8.
Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Aziz said meetings last week with senior US officials to discuss tariffs progressed well and both countries have expressed an intention to finalize the negotiations before the expiry of the 90-day pause on US tariffs ends on July 8.He said both countries agreed to intensify efforts to reach an agreement that would be mutually acceptable by key parties from both countries, according to a statement from the Malaysian trade ministry.Zafrul had two separate meetings with the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick during a working visit to the US between June 18 and 20. The visit, led by Zafrul, was primarily on continuing the tariff negotiations. He was accompanied by the chief negotiator for the ministry and the deputy chief of mission from the Malaysian Embassy and other officials based in Washington DC.The Malaysian delegation said the meetings also served as an occasion to enhance bilateral investment and trade ties between Malaysia and the US. Zafrul said the US has been one of Malaysia's top three export markets for the last 10 years. In May this year, exports to the US posted the eighth consecutive month of double-digit expansion.“Much of Malaysia's US-bound exports complement US-based domestic industries in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, medical devices as well as machinery, equipment and parts. Malaysia has also been an important source of intermediate goods to US-based manufacturing industries,” he said.Zafrul said Malaysia expects the negotiations to help secure the country’s supply chain, as well as provide spillovers to Malaysian businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, and more high-paying jobs for Malaysians....
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