Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that Malaysian officials will be dispatched to the United States to initiate dialogue concerning the recently imposed tariff measures, according to local reports.

This development follows the announcement made by the President of the United States on 2nd April 2025, regarding extensive tariffs, which will subject Malaysian goods entering the US to a 24% tax beginning 9th April.

"Malaysia's trade with the United States has long exemplified mutual benefit. Our exports support not only economic growth domestically but also high-quality employment across the United States," Anwar said during the ASEAN Investment Conference (AIC) 2025, held on 8th April.

"This commercial relationship has been advantageous for both nations, yet the newly introduced measures risk causing harm to all parties involved. However, we do not subscribe to megaphone diplomacy. As part of our approach of quiet engagement, Malaysian officials, in cooperation with ASEAN counterparts, will be sent to Washington to initiate a process of dialogue," he further added.

Anwar further stated that Malaysia would continue to adapt, as it has consistently done, and noted that the country's trade diversification strategy is already gaining momentum.

While reaffirming the intention to maintain trade relations with the United States, he emphasised that Malaysia would take all necessary steps to safeguard its economic interests.

"This includes engaging proactively with the United States to seek a mutually beneficial resolution, while concurrently diversifying and strengthening relations with key trade partners across the European Union, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa," Anwar said.

He also highlighted that ASEAN's total trade in goods currently stands at US$ 3.5 trillion. "However, this figure is not guaranteed. Amid the rapid proliferation of global tariffs, the international order is showing signs of strain. Consequently, ASEAN must place greater reliance on internal cooperation," he remarked.

In an earlier report, Anwar acknowledged that Malaysia's projected economic growth could experience a slight impact due to the imposition of US tariffs. He also stated that the methodology used by the United States to calculate the 24% tariff on Malaysian imports is "fundamentally flawed," according to the same report.