KUALA LUMPUR – Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will travel to Washington on June 18 to continue discussions with the United States on tariffs imposed on Malaysian goods.
Speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of the DayOne Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme and Syndicated Financing today, Tengku Zafrul said the matter had been brought to the Cabinet’s attention, Bernama reported.
“I will go to the US next week and we will continue the negotiations physically. Previously, the discussions were ongoing online.
“I will meet with the US Trade Representative (USTR) next week in Washington,” he said.
He added that he is scheduled to meet USTR Jamieson Greer, US administration officials, and several investors during the visit.
Tengku Zafrul also plans to engage with key stakeholders from various business chambers, companies, and interest groups, including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) and the US-Asean Business Council.
The upcoming trip follows a high-level delegation he led to Washington on 24 April, where discussions were held with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Greer. During that meeting, Tengku Zafrul underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to finding constructive solutions to US concerns.
Malaysia had earlier expressed readiness to enter into negotiations across four key areas: reducing the trade deficit, addressing non-tariff barriers, enhancing technology protection and security, and exploring the feasibility of a bilateral trade agreement.
On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs affecting approximately 60 countries, including a 24 percent duty on most Malaysian exports. However, the implementation was deferred for 90 days for most countries to allow time for negotiations. – June 11, 2025
