Malaysia’s trade talks with the US may yield positive results, but the existing 10% blanket import tariff is expected to stay, according to Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) official Raveendran Nair.
Raveendran, who was among the MITI entourage that visited Washington DC to set up talks, shared that US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confirmed the 10% tariff would remain for all countries, despite ongoing negotiations.
“We are looking for a positive outcome, but just to indicate, the secretary of commerce did mention that most probably that 10% [blanket tariff] will remain for the entire world,” Raveendran said at a forum organised by Hong Leong Bank Bhd.
China and the United States are scheduled to hold official trade talks later this week, as Beijing reiterates its commitment to dialogue and cooperation while firmly safeguarding its legitimate interests in the face of escalating US-initiated trade tensions.
Analysts said that mounting pressure from domestic stakeholders in the US may have pushed Washington back to the negotiating table. They also said that the international community is watching closely to see whether the upcoming talks can help stabilize the global economy and provide a turning point to ease trade tensions and address trade disputes between the world’s two largest economies through dialogue.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Vice-Premier He Lifeng, China’s lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the US’ lead person, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during He’s visit to Switzerland from Friday to Monday. The ministry said that the talks were scheduled at the request of the US.
The conversations mark the first official public engagement between the world’s two largest economies since the Trump administration’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on imports from China plunged the two sides into a trade war.
IGB International School has 2 events coming up this May. Check them out below:
IGB International School May 2025 Open Day
Imagine a school where learning is hands-on, creativity thrives, and every student is empowered to lead. That’s life at IGB International School.
Join IGBIS for this Open Day to see it in action—tour our campus, meet inspiring educators, and discover how they’re shaping their students through the IB curriculum.
RSVP Now at https://igbis.edu.my/admissions/openday/
IGB International School Early Years Exploration Day
See your child’s world open up – right before your eyes.
At IGBIS Early Years Exploration Day, share a special moment of curiosity, creativity, and wonder with your child as you:
- Connect with your child through play-driven, hands-on experiences
- Gain expert tips on nurturing their early learning journey
- Enjoy a 100% enrolment fee waiver
- Take a guided tour of our vibrant, purpose-built learning spaces
Parent Info Session
Thursday, 15 May | 10:00am – 11:15am
Discover how our inquiry-based approach allows young minds develop into confident and happy children
Playdate in the Classroom
Wednesday, 21 May | 10:00am – 11:15am
Step into your child’s shoes and experience learning through their eyes.
For families with children aged 3-6. Sign up now.
Redirect link: https://igbis.edu.my/elementary/eyexploration/
On 5 May, AMCHAM hosted a dinner and networking session at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang, bringing together our Board of Governors with business leaders and government officials from the northern region. With nearly a quarter of our membership based in Penang, this event reaffirmed our commitment to staying closely connected to the community during times of economic uncertainty.
The evening offered a valuable platform for open dialogue with Penang’s government and business stakeholders, strengthening long-standing partnerships and exploring new avenues for collaboration and mutual growth.
The following day, our Board members had the opportunity to visit NI and Boston Scientific, where they got a closer look at day-to-day operations and explored how AMCHAM can continue to add value and support their growth in Malaysia.
A sincere thank you to our Board of Governors for their continued support, and to all our guests for joining us. We also thank all our members in Penang for taking the time to engage with us – we value your presence and partnership.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) today revealed the findings of its impact analysis should negotiations with Washington fail to yield the desired result, as talks between Putrajaya and the United States began today (6 May 2025).
The projection examined what MITI Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz described as the primary and secondary impacts if Malaysian exports to the US are subjected to the full 24 per cent tariff.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) will be the sole issuer of all Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin (NPCO) for shipment to the United States with effect from May 6.
In a statement on Monday (May 5), the ministry said this is to address the issue of possible transhipment from certain countries to the US market through Malaysia’s entry and exit points.
“The issuance of NPCO to the US market by business councils, chambers or associations appointed by the ministry, in accordance with the NPCO issuance guidelines established by Miti, will cease immediately.
“Miti will enhance audits on NPCO applicants, investigate and take the necessary action in collaboration with the Customs Department to curb any transhipment offences to the US,” it said.
The ministry added that the government is unequivocally committed to upholding the integrity of international trade practices.
“As such, the government views any attempt to circumvent tariffs through wrong or false declaration, whether related to the value or origin of goods, as a serious offence.”
