KUALA LUMPUR : The Dewan Rakyat will convene a special sitting on Monday, 5 May, to deliberate the United States’ recent imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Malaysian exports — a move that has triggered concern across both government and industry sectors.
The extraordinary session is expected to see vigorous debate among Members of Parliament, as they examine the implications of the tariff measures and evaluate Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic response strategies.
Announced by US President Donald Trump on 2 April, the measures include a blanket 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports from all countries, with a significantly higher 24 per cent rate applied specifically to Malaysian goods. The tariffs form part of Washington’s broader strategy to recalibrate trade relationships and address its persistent trade deficit.
Ahead of the session, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, led a high-level delegation to Washington on 24 April. There, he held meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, during which Malaysia reiterated its willingness to engage constructively on key trade concerns.
In a press statement dated 25 April, Tengku Zafrul welcomed the US decision to pause the implementation of the 24 per cent reciprocal tariff for 90 days — until 8 July 2025 — while the 10 per cent baseline tariff remains in force indefinitely. He described the pause as a “window of opportunity” for diplomatic resolution and noted that discussions had focused on four key areas: narrowing the trade deficit, reducing non-tariff barriers, strengthening technological safeguards, and exploring the potential for a bilateral trade agreement.
“These initial meetings with the US Secretary of Commerce and the US Trade Representative are a step in the right direction. We intend to maintain momentum and follow up urgently on the key issues raised within the 90-day window,” Tengku Zafrul said.
The US administration’s 9 April announcement of the temporary tariff reprieve came as more than 75 countries voiced concerns over the broad-based trade actions. Concurrently, the US raised tariffs on Chinese-origin goods to a cumulative 145 per cent.
Monday’s special sitting, convened at the request of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Standing Order 11(3), underscores the urgency of the matter as it constitutes a significant public interest issue. Ministers are expected to deliver briefings under Standing Order 14(1)(i) to outline the US actions, assess the impact on Malaysia’s economy, and present the government’s coordinated policy response.
With global markets closely watching the situation, the outcome of the 5 May session is poised to shape Malaysia’s next course of action in what could become a defining moment in its trade relationship with the United States.
–Bernama
