Jeju: Discussions between Malaysia and the United States on reciprocal tariffs have been progressing smoothly, with several issues already resolved and others requiring further examination, particularly those concerning strategic sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz addressed the matter during a meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Trade in Jeju, South Korea. The Malaysian delegation is set to continue negotiations in Washington from May 28 to 30, led by Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry deputy secretary-general (Trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa. Tengku Zafrul is scheduled to visit the US next June for further discussions.

Tengku Zafrul remarked that, thus far, negotiations between the chief negotiators from both countries have been advancing smoothly. He mentioned that a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) has been signed, preventing the disclosure of specific negotiation details, but noted that the issues typically pertain to sectors vital to Malaysia. One of the key sectors discussed was semiconductors, which are essential not only to Malaysia but also to US industries.

Additionally, the discussions with the US have included efforts to strengthen economic cooperation among APEC member countries. Malaysia also participated in the ASEAN Caucus Meeting, involving seven APEC member countries, to align regional positions on trade issues and economic cooperation within the forum.