Published: 20:39, February 20, 2025
Malaysia says ASEAN plans US summit to discuss tariff concerns
By Reuters

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan speaks during a press conference after the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Malaysia's Langkawi Island on Jan 19, 2025. (PHOTO/ AFP)

KUALA LUMPUR - The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN plans to hold a summit with the United States so its member countries can present their views on planned US tariffs, Malaysia's foreign minister said on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump has said he will impose tariffs of around 25 percent on automotive, semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports.

ALSO READ: ASEAN expecting neutrality in 'Trump 2.0'

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan told Parliament that such tariffs would be a challenge for Malaysia as electrical and electronics products make up 60 percent of its trade with the United States. "This is a huge blow if we can't get this resolved soon," he said, adding that ASEAN planned to hold a special summit to present the region's case to the US government.

"We need to confer on how to provide the views from ASEAN countries to ensure the proposed tariff does not burden us."

Malaysia is the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2025.

READ MORE: Tariffs to impact ASEAN's exports, investment flows

According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, US goods trade with Malaysia was estimated at $80.2 billion in 2024, and the US goods trade deficit with Malaysia stood at $24.8 billion last year.