Semiconductor Tariffs, Trade, Security Expected To Be Discussed During Trump’s Visit -- Kagan

By Niam Seet Wei

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Semiconductor tariffs, trade, investments, security and stability in the region are topics expected to be discussed during United States (US) President Donald Trump’s visit here, according to US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.

Giving semiconductors as an example, he said Malaysia is an incredibly important partner for the US, as there have been very significant investments by American companies in this sector, especially those focused on Western supply chains.

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“I can tell you that there is a recognition of the important role Malaysia plays. So, tariffs are among the topics to be brought up during Trump’s visit,” he said.

Kagan was responding to questions from Bernama on the sidelines of the US-Malaysia Digital Dialogue here today.

Asked about the likelihood of the US maintaining the tariff exemption for Malaysia’s semiconductor exports, Kagan said while he was not in a position to comment on the matter, he believes Malaysia is an incredibly important semiconductor partner for the US.

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“And I think that isn't likely to change quickly, regardless of what happens on tariffs,” he said.

Yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Oct 26. 

This marks Trump’s maiden trip to Asia since beginning his second presidency in January 2025 and the first visit to Malaysia by a US President since Barack Obama’s visit in 2015.

Asked whether any bilateral meetings would take place between Trump and other leaders during the summit, Kagan remained tight-lipped but noted that whenever a US president travels abroad, it is customary for him to meet with the host, in this case Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“So yes, and I think that we'll have good discussions,” he said.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28.

The event will see the participation of top leaders from the 10 ASEAN member states, along with key dialogue partners including the US, China, South Korea, Japan, and India.

Apart from Trump, prominent leaders such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, European Council President António Costa, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are among more than 20 global leaders scheduled to attend the summit.

-- BERNAMA