Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has stood firm in defending its halal standards during tariff-related negotiations with the United States, describing the process as complex and challenging, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He stated that Malaysia's halal certification was regarded by Washington as a non-tariff barrier.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Cabinet decided to treat its halal standards as a "red line" and committed to defending them, with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) leading the negotiations. While Malaysia agreed to facilitate the import process for certain halal-certified products, it maintained its world-leading halal standards. This announcement was made during Tengku Zafrul's welcoming speech at the opening of the Global Halal Summit (GHAS) 2025, which coincided with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025.
Tengku Zafrul emphasized that the halal industry is a global matter, given that Islam is a worldwide religion with two billion Muslims. With the global halal market valued at US$3.5 trillion and projected to reach US$5.0 trillion by 2030, he stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in the industry. Beyond trade, he noted that how nations develop their societies and economies will shape the world and determine the collective future.
The minister highlighted that strengthening the Muslim world economically, sustainably, and inclusively will amplify their influence on global stages. He pointed out that halal goods and services are increasingly sought by people of all faiths and cultures, not just Muslims, and that the halal industry can counter growing trade protectionism and conflicts by focusing on multilateral cooperation.
Tengku Zafrul concluded by stating that Malaysia is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in resetting the global trading system through the halal economy. He asserted that Malaysia can act as a supplier, standard-setter, system-builder, and bridge-maker for ethical trade.