Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has addressed the recent imposition of a 24% reciprocal tariff by the United States, stating that while Malaysia is unlikely to fall into a recession, the country’s 2025 GDP forecast of 4.8% will need to be reviewed.
He emphasised that the government is actively exploring multiple strategies to cushion the impact but has ruled out any retaliatory measures. Instead, Malaysia is prioritizing diplomatic engagement with the Trump administration to resolve the issue constructively.
As the 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will also consult with fellow member nations to address the situation in a measured and unified manner, steering clear of any tit-for-tat responses.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is currently assessing the detailed implications of the tariff, particularly on export-oriented sectors. MITI is also scheduled to discuss the matter with ASEAN leaders in a bid to formulate a coordinated regional response.
