Tengku Zafrul: Semiconductor and pharma exports to US remain duty-free despite broader tariff deal
Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, clarified that semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries remain unaffected by recent US tariff negotiations, retaining zero tariffs on exports to the US. Following negotiations, 6,911 tariff lines (61% of the US request) will have zero tariffs, down from 25% to 19%. While Malaysia offered concessions on 98% of tariff lines, only 61% were liberalized. Zafrul emphasized the government's commitment to reforming non-tariff barriers without compromising national regulatory standards. Malaysia refused US requests concerning excise duties on vehicles, tobacco, and alcohol, import permits, and foreign equity caps in strategic sectors.
