Malaysia-US Tariff Deal In Final Stage Of Negotiations -- Tengku Zafrul

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is in the final stage of tariff negotiations with the United States (US) and hopes to conclude the deal on Sunday at the 47th ASEAN Summit, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on Oct 26 for the summit.

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“We are in the final stage of negotiations. I can confirm (the tariff discussions) on Sunday,” he said during the 26th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council press conference today.

Tengku Zafrul said for the summit, negotiations on tariffs will be done bilaterally between the US and individual ASEAN countries, including Malaysia.

“So for Malaysia, and I am sure for other countries, negotiations have been ongoing; and we will see whether there are any agreements that will be concluded and signed during Trump's visit to Malaysia,” he said.

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According to America’s Roll Call website, Trump is scheduled to hold an expanded bilateral meeting and agreements signing ceremony with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the summit on Sunday.

The US President is set to conclude the day by participating in the 13th ASEAN-US Summit and a working dinner with ASEAN leaders before departing on Monday.

Currently, the US imposes a general 19 per cent tariff on exports from Malaysia.

On Sept 25, 2025, Trump announced that the US would impose a 100 per cent tariff on any branded or patented pharmaceutical product effective Oct 1, 2025, unless the company builds its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in the US.

Similarly, Trump also announced that effective Oct 1, 2025, Washington would impose a 50 per cent tariff on all kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and associated products, as well as a 30 per cent tariff on upholstered furniture -- measures from which Malaysia is not spared.

-- BERNAMA