KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23, 2026 — Malaysia’s federal government is holding off on issuing a formal response to the recently revived United States tariff measures until it receives a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday.
The latest developments in U.S. trade policy follow a high-profile legal battle over tariffs imposed by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court of the United States struck down much of the earlier tariff regime, ruling that Trump had overstepped his authority in imposing broad fees on imported goods. In response, Trump reportedly announced a temporary 10 per cent tariff, which was later raised to 15 per cent under alternative legal provisions.
Speaking to reporters after a Ramadan event and the launch of the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda programme in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar confirmed that MITI Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani had provided an initial briefing on the tariff issue, but that the full implications and recommended actions will be presented to the Cabinet later this week.
“We will wait for the (Cabinet) meeting on Friday,” Anwar said, adding that clarifications and further details from the ministry were expected then. Until the complete assessment is available, Putrajaya will refrain from reacting prematurely.
Malaysia’s trade relationship with the United States is significant — the U.S. remains one of the country’s top export destinations, with total trade between the two nations reaching approximately RM367 billion in 2025. The unexpected shift in U.S. trade policy has prompted Malaysian officials to carefully study both the economic and legal implications of the tariffs before determining an appropriate response.
Anwar also noted that MITI is coordinating with stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and with ASEAN counterparts to gain a broader understanding of how the tariffs may play out in practice, and to explore potential multilateral approaches to address the issue.
Earlier statements from Johari indicated that Malaysia is monitoring the situation closely, including the status of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) — an arrangement Malaysia signed with the U.S. but has not yet brought into force. The ministry said it is seeking clarity and ensuring that Malaysia’s interests are protected as global trade policy continues to evolve.
In recent days, business groups and exporters have voiced concerns about the uncertainty created by the sudden changes in U.S. tariffs, particularly given the potential impact on cost structures, export planning, and bilateral trade flows. Exporters in sectors such as electrical and electronic products — a key Malaysian export category — have reported disruptions in pricing and order negotiations.
As Malaysia prepares for the Cabinet discussion this Friday, analysts say the government’s careful and measured approach reflects the complexity of balancing global trade relations and safeguarding the country’s export-driven economy. With the U.S. being a major trading partner, any policy response will likely take into account both economic fundamentals and geopolitical considerations.
