South Korea, Malaysia conclude FTA talks

( October 27, 2025, 08:31 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: South Korea and Malaysia have concluded negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, South Korea’s Trade Ministry said Monday. Under the deal, South Korea will liberalize 94.8 percent of all product categories, while Malaysia will open 92.7 percent. Malaysia will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 682 items, and South Korea on 288 items. The agreement includes a “standstill clause,” which prevents either side from raising tariffs on excluded items. The deal opens the Malaysian automobile market for South Korean automakers, eliminating tariffs on electric sedans and SUVs and reducing tariffs on fully built electric SUVs. South Korean steel products will receive duty-free treatment, while tariffs on chemical exports such as polyethylene and polypropylene will be removed. The agreement requires approval from South Korea’s National Assembly before ratification. The statement, in Korean, is attached....

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