Kuala Lumpur, July 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Malaysia still has one month to negotiate with the United States regarding the recently announced 25% tariff on Malaysian products, which is scheduled to take effect on August 1.
Speaking to reporters after a 40-minute meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Anwar said the issue was raised during Rubio’s courtesy visit. “We raised the tariff issue. He (Rubio) said the letter (by Donald Trump) is general, and we still have one more month to negotiate,” Anwar stated.
The Prime Minister added that Rubio acknowledged Malaysia’s strategic importance as a key U.S. trading partner in Southeast Asia and assured that Malaysia’s position would be taken into consideration in further discussions.
The tariff issue arose following an April 2 announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, imposing duties on multiple countries, including a 24% tariff on Malaysia, which was subsequently paused for 90 days to allow for negotiations. On July 9, Trump declared an updated 25% tariff to be applied on all Malaysian exports entering the U.S. from August 1.
Despite the tariff tensions, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s neutral stance in global affairs while emphasizing the country’s goal to strengthen relations with all partners, including China and ASEAN. “While the U.S. is an important trading partner, our relationship with China and ASEAN will be strengthened for the benefit of the people and the country,” he said.
During their meeting, the Prime Minister also raised the Gaza humanitarian crisis, to which Rubio responded with optimism about an impending ceasefire, allowing greater access for humanitarian aid to reach Palestine and Gaza.
Rubio is currently leading the U.S. delegation at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting during his first official trip to Asia as Washington’s top diplomat. He is also scheduled to attend the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
New Chapter in U.S.–Malaysia Energy Cooperation
In a significant development, Malaysia and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic civil nuclear cooperation, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed the agreement as a “significant milestone” in advancing cooperation in the fields of energy security and sustainable development.
Rubio welcomed the MoU, describing it as a model for international collaboration in civil nuclear technology. “This agreement demonstrates how trusted partners can work together to promote clean energy solutions while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and non-proliferation,” he stated.
The MoU reflects a broader commitment by both nations to deepen their comprehensive partnership, even as discussions continue over trade-related challenges.
