Malaysia PM says will build trade relations, not wait for U.S. tariffs

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets with Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim, in Berlin

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim holds a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (not pictured) in Berlin, Germany, March 11, 2024. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen/ File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Malaysia will actively build trade relations with other countries, such as China, Russia and Brazil, instead of waiting for the impact of potential U.S. trade tariffs, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.

Anwar told parliament waiting for United States' tariffs would have a negative impact on Malaysia, adding there was uncertainty following U.S. President Donald Trump's 30-day pause on tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

U.S. tariffs on China are still due to take effect.

Anwar said Malaysia could not act hastily in countering tariffs as there remained many geopolitical uncertainties.

"On our part, we must take proactive steps... to aggressively open a wider network of trading partners," Anwar said.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters