PUTRAJAYA, Aug 1 — Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will explain the United States’ move to lower reciprocal tariffs on Malaysia from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, in the Dewan Rakyat on August 4.
Communications Minister and Madani Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said this at a post-Cabinet press conference here today.
“Tengku Zafrul will inform the Dewan Rakyat on Monday about the US decision on the tariff,” Fahmi said.
Earlier, in a statement, Tengku Zafrul said the US’ decision reflects the strong and enduring economic relationship between the two countries.
He added that most importantly, Malaysia has remained firm on various matters within its set “red lines”, and the 19 per cent tariff rate was achieved without compromising the nation’s sovereign interests.
Tariff negotiations between Malaysia and the US began on May 6 and concluded on July 31.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim briefed MPs on his phone call with US President Donald Trump. They discussed, among others, trade issues, including tariffs and then-ongoing negotiations by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the US trade representative and the US commerce secretary.
