Kuala lumpur: The government will continue negotiations with the United States following the imposition of a 25 per cent retaliatory US tariff on Malaysian exports. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia intends to present its arguments to the United States before the tariff rate is finalized in August.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that Malaysia, as a trading nation, would be negatively impacted by the tariff, affecting both the national and regional economy. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a relationship with the US while defending Malaysia’s stance as a trading nation. “We will request that the tariff rate be reconsidered,” he remarked to reporters after officiating the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Anwar further mentioned plans to address the tariff issue in an upcoming meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting Malaysia to attend high-level regional meetings and bilateral engagements. This visit marks Rubio’s first to Asia since assuming office earlier this year.

The United States has declared that the 25 per cent tariff on Malaysian exports will take effect on August 1, a decision separate from sector-specific tariffs. This new rate is slightly higher than the previously announced tariff in April. President Donald Trump, in a letter to Anwar uploaded on Truth Social, argued that the 25 per cent rate remains below what is needed to address the trade deficit with Malaysia.