BACHOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the United States’ move to impose retaliatory import tariffs on several countries, including Malaysia, would have direct implications for Malaysia’s economy, which is heavily reliant on international trade.

“This situation not only affects China’s economy but also impacts Malaysia, even though we are temporarily exempted from the implementation of these tariffs.

“When high tariffs are imposed on China, our trade and investment ties with the country are inevitably affected,” he said.

Anwar was speaking at the Kelantan state-level Aidilfitri Madani 2025 celebrations in Pantai Irama on Saturday (April 12).

He added that as a trading and exporting nation, Malaysia remained highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global trade policy.

“We are an exporting and trading country. When the United States imposes high tariffs on China, of course we will also feel the impact.

“Fortunately, the United States has temporarily suspended the implementation of these tariffs on several Asean countries, including Malaysia. However, China remains subject to tariffs,” he added.

US President Donald Trump recently announced a 90-day suspension of higher tariffs on selected countries, even as the trade war with China escalates.

Malaysia was earlier subjected to a 24% reciprocal tariff. While that hike has been paused, a flat 10% baseline tariff still applies to all countries, except China, which remains subject to the higher rate. – Bernama