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MALAYSIA’S ongoing negotiations with the United States on reciprocal tariffs are progressing smoothly, with many outstanding matters either resolved or moving toward resolution, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Trade in Jeju, South Korea, where Tengku Zafrul met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
“So far, we understand that the talks between the chief negotiators on both sides have been progressing smoothly,” he said. “We have signed a non-disclosure agreement and cannot discuss the details of the negotiations, but the issues typically relate to sectors that are important to our country.”
One such sector is semiconductors, which Tengku Zafrul described as strategically vital for both Malaysia and US industries.
The next round of discussions is scheduled to take place in Washington from 28 to 30 May, to be led by the Ministry’s deputy secretary-general (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. Tengku Zafrul himself is expected to visit the US in June to continue high-level talks.
In addition to bilateral discussions, Malaysia also participated in the ASEAN Caucus Meeting alongside seven APEC member economies to align regional positions on trade and economic collaboration within the forum.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with South Korea are entering the final phase, with the aim of concluding the deal by the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
“The South Korean team is currently in Malaysia with our negotiating team. This is the final round before we meet again in June (at the ministerial level),” he told Bernama, following his meeting with South Korea’s Trade, Industry and Energy Minister, Inkyo Cheong.
Negotiations between the two countries resumed in March 2024 after a five-year pause.
“Everything is going smoothly. We are on track to finalise this agreement. It has been a long process, and South Korea needs to bring it to their National Assembly,” Tengku Zafrul added.
He stressed the importance of the FTA in light of current geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, noting South Korea’s significance as a major trading partner and investor in Malaysia. - May 15, 2025
