KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has expressed readiness to move forward on discussions in four strategic areas with the United States, including bilateral trade agreements as part of efforts to resolve tensions over Washington’s proposed reciprocal tariffs.
The areas identified are reducing the trade deficit, addressing non-tariff barriers, enhancing technology protection and security, and exploring the potential for a bilateral trade agreement.
In a press statement today, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said this was during a high-level meeting in Washington DC on April 24, led by minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to discuss recent trade measures targeting Malaysia.
Tengku Zafrul reaffirmed that all communication channels with the United States remain open, underscoring its commitment to constructive engagement following the US administration’s recent decision to pause tariff implementation for 90 days.
“I believe the meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer were steps in the right direction,” Tengku Zafrul said.
“We will maintain the momentum by following up on key issues discussed during the 90-day pause in the implementation of reciprocal tariffs. Malaysia also stresses that all communication lines remain open, and we will continue to work towards a favourable resolution on this matter.”
During the meeting, the ministry also highlighted it would not take retaliatory action but remains open to working with the US to find mutually agreeable solutions to the issues raised by the Trump administration.
It reiterated that the US remains one of Malaysia’s most important economic and strategic partners, with American companies contributing significantly to Malaysia’s economy over the decades, the statement said.
The ministry noted that bilateral trade has grown more balanced in recent years, with the US trade deficit showing a declining trend – an indicator of increasingly equitable trade relations.
In a post on his own Facebook account, Tengku Zafrul shared that the discussions held were constructive.
“This strong and mutually beneficial economic relationship must continue!” he added.
Beyond tariff issues, the discussions also explored the potential for enhanced US-Asean cooperation, particularly timely given Malaysia’s role as Asean chair this year, which is seen as an opportunity to build momentum and maintain stability in regional and global trade relationships. – April 25, 2025