The United States (US) has made four demands to Malaysia during the ongoing negotiations following the tariffs imposed, aiming to achieve a win-win outcome.
Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said these demands include discussions on non-tariff barriers, the trade deficit, safeguarding US technology, and investing in their industries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to explain the government’s plans and measures to address the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States at the special Parliament session today (5 May 2025).
According to the Order Paper published on the Parliament website, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, will address the matter at the special meeting at 11am.
“The prime minister will provide an explanation on the US move to impose reciprocal tariffs on all imports and its implications for the Malaysian economy,” it said.
Anwar will also outline the government’s response across various ministries and sectors, as well as the coordination of short- and medium-term solutions, including a review of existing policies for certain industries.
In a recent Bernama Biz interview, AMCHAM’s CEO Dato’ Siobhan Das reaffirmed that Malaysia remains a compelling destination for U.S. investors, backed by long-term commitment and ongoing interest in key sectors.
Key Highlights:
- The U.S. remains the largest foreign investor in Malaysia, with a commitment to technology and high-value investments.
- Malaysia is well-positioned to support sectors that continue to move the country up value chains, such as electrical & electronics (including semiconductors), medical technology, chemicals, aerospace, and ICT — with growing potential in emerging areas like rare earths and critical minerals.
- Investors emphasize the importance of consistent policies, clear implementation, and coherent communication to support long-term decision-making.
“It’s about what we can do on the ground to make ourselves more competitive — truly understanding Malaysia’s strengths and focusing on high-value areas. That’s how we attract the right investments into the right sectors and reduce attrition,” said Dato’ Siobhan Das.
Full story: Bernama Biz
On 30 April, AMCHAM CEO Dato’ Siobhan Das appeared on Bernama’s The Nation to share timely insights on the evolving global trade landscape and AMCHAM’s role in supporting U.S. businesses in Malaysia, where collaboration toward common goals is essential.
The discussion focused on the importance of the 50+-year history of trusted and value-adding investments, the Chamber’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness by addressing the ease and costs of doing business, and collaborating to navigate new global trends reshaping the business and trading landscape.
Our sincere thanks to Bernama TV and Jessy Chahal for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation.
See the interview here: https://youtu.be/g9QXge8IIqE
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (“MCMC”) has published the latest edition of its Licensing Guidebook on its official website (“Updated Guidebook”), updated as of 15 April 2025. This article summarises the key takeaways.
China is holding off on entering serious trade negotiations with the United States as it waits to see which of former President Donald Trump’s advisers will shape his evolving trade policy, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Beijing is in no hurry to resolve the tariff deadlock, citing deep divisions within the Trump administration’s trade team and ongoing uncertainty about the final direction of US policy, according to a report published in the South China Morning Post.
