Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, has expressed support for the United States’ decision to pause higher tariffs for several trading partners. This development, however, poses significant challenges for the ASEAN economies as they navigate these rapid changes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia is evaluating the implications of these changes and is committed to working with ASEAN partners to minimize disruptions, reinforce regional economic stability, and advocate for balanced trade relations. Tengku Zafrul emphasized the importance of ASEAN unity and economic integration, particularly in light of the unpredictable nature of US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Malaysia aims to remain a reliable trading and investment partner globally, including with the US and China. The country is focused on maintaining open communication and finding solutions that benefit all parties involved in the trade issues with the US. As part of its strategy, Malaysia plans to diversify its trade, explore new markets, and strengthen existing ones to mitigate current uncertainties while advancing its economic reform agenda to boost competitiveness.

President Trump announced a 90-day delay in implementing higher reciprocal tariffs, a move influenced by diplomatic engagements and goodwill. On the same day, he increased US tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 percent and granted over 75 countries a 90-day reprieve from tariffs that could exceed the 10 percent baseline.

In his Truth Social post, Trump attributed the delay to outreach from affected nations seeking to negotiate trade-related issues. He noted that these countries had not retaliated against the US. ASEAN’s Indochina members were among the most affected by the tariffs, with Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar facing the highest combined duties. Other ASEAN nations, including Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, were subjected to varying tariff rates.