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THE visit of United States President Donald Trump to Malaysia on Sunday has opened new opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand into international markets through the US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement, officials have said.
Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong described the historic visit as reinforcing previously agreed trade arrangements between the two nations, with the agreement offering improved and more secure access for Malaysian products to the US market.
“The agreement that was referenced yesterday is not a new agreement. It has already been formally approved and presented by the Prime Minister and the Minister of MITI, including endorsement by the Cabinet and the Dewan Rakyat.
“It can be said that what was signed is better than what was previously announced, including 1,711 tariff lines that will not be subject to the 19 per cent tariff. This includes key Malaysian exports such as palm oil, rubber-based products, aircraft spare parts and pharmaceuticals,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
Liew explained that the agreement would provide Malaysian companies with a competitive edge and ensure trade remains protected.
“Among the key outcomes of the agreement is the offer of better and more secure access by the United States to their market for Malaysian products,” he said.
He also highlighted that under enhancements announced by the US, Malaysia would receive due consideration in relation to Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act affecting the semiconductor sector.
“Although semiconductor products are not directly included in this agreement, what was agreed yesterday will be taken into account in the US’s considerations regarding this sector,” he added.
The visit attracted international attention as Trump and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussed the importance of bilateral trade cooperation in navigating global economic uncertainties.
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced that Malaysia had secured tariff exemptions from the US on major exports including palm oil, rubber, cocoa, aerospace equipment, and pharmaceuticals, totalling approximately US$5.2 billion, or around 12 per cent of Malaysia’s exports to the United States. - October 27, 2025
