KUALA LUMPUR, 4th May, 2025 (WAM) -- All eyes will be on the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, 5 May, as Members of Parliament convene for a special sitting to deliberate on the United States' (US) surprise imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Malaysian exports - a move that has sparked concern across government and industry, Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA) reported Sunday.

The session is expected to feature robust debate as lawmakers weigh the implications of the US decision and consider Malaysia's diplomatic and economic options.
The tariffs, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, include a sweeping 10% baseline duty on all countries and a steeper 24% levy specifically targeting Malaysian goods. The move is reportedly part of Washington's broader effort to recalibrate trade relationships and address long-standing trade deficits.

Ahead of the sitting, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz led a high-level delegation to Washington on April 24, where he held talks with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

During the meetings, he emphasised the importance of continued engagement and reiterated Malaysia's willingness to address US concerns constructive Malaysia expressed openness to negotiations on four key
areas: reducing the trade deficit, addressing non-tariff barriers, strengthening technological safeguards and security, and exploring a potential bilateral trade agreement.

On April 9, 2025, the US administration announced a 90-day postponement of the individualised reciprocal tariffs for most countries while maintaining the baseline tariff of 10% indefinitely.
As a result, the 24% reciprocal tariff on Malaysian imports into the US will be postponed during the 90-day window (April 9, 2025, until July 8, 2025), with the 10% baseline tariff applied instead.
This decision was made to facilitate negotiations with over 75 countries that have expressed concerns about the tariffs.

The May 5 special sitting, convened at the request of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will serve as a key platform for ministers to brief Parliament on the government's response and outcomes of recent bilateral engagements.

It will also address the broader economic impact of the US tariffs and outline coordinated responses across ministries and sectors. As tensions simmer and global markets monitor developments, Monday's session is likely to set the tone for Malaysia's next steps in what could evolve into a significant chapter in its trade relations with the US.