Malaysia secures exemptions in US tariff agreement, rate remains stable at 19%

Exemptions were given to 1,711 tariff lines, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Ragananthini Vethasalam, Rahimy Rahim, Tarrence Tan, Allison Lai, and Gerard Gimino

Ragananthini Vethasalam, Rahimy Rahim, Tarrence Tan, Allison Lai, and Gerard Gimino

The Star

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US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ahead of the ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. PHOTO: AFP

October 27, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR – The United States’ tariff rate on Malaysia remains at 19% with exemptions given to 1,711 tariff lines, says Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said this after Malaysia and the United States inked the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade on Sunday(Oct 25).

“The exemption is given to some of Malaysia’s key exports such as palm oil, rubber products, cocoa, aircraft components and spare parts as well as pharmaceuticals, which collectively contribute up to US$5.2bil or 12% of total exports,” he told a press conference.

There are no changes to our earlier commitment to the US. In fact, the US has given better access than what was offered before,” he said.

He also assured that the two countries would not sign something that would affect national sovereignty.

The agreement was signed by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits.

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