Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia will spearhead efforts to coordinate a united regional response to the sweeping US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on April 6.
Delivering a video address across his social media platforms, including Facebook, Datuk Seri Anwar stated, “Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, will lead efforts to present a united regional front, maintain open and resilient supply chains, and ensure ASEAN’s collective voice is heard clearly and firmly on the international stage.”
Mr. Anwar also revealed that he had spoken with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh regarding a coordinated regional approach, while Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto was scheduled to meet Mr. Anwar later the same day, according to Indonesian media reports.
Southeast Asian countries have been among the hardest hit by the new US tariffs. Vietnam faces a 46% tariff, Cambodia 49%, and Malaysia 24%. While Malaysia has refrained from retaliatory measures, it has strongly rejected Washington’s claims that Malaysia levies a 47% tariff on US goods.
To address the situation, Mr. Anwar announced the formation of a geo-economic command centre tasked with engaging Washington to seek a “mutually acceptable solution.” He described Malaysia’s approach as “calm, firm, and guided by our national interests.”
He also sought to allay fears of an economic downturn, assuring citizens that Malaysia would not fall into recession due to the tariffs. However, he acknowledged the need for flexibility, indicating that the government might revise its GDP growth targets for 2025 if the tariffs take effect as planned on April 9.
“We must acknowledge that this round of sweeping tariffs may just be the beginning of greater challenges to come in the external economy,” the Prime Minister cautioned. The move to lead ASEAN’s response underscores Malaysia’s increasing role on the global economic stage as the region braces for escalating trade tensions.