Malaysia’s government is seeking to lower US tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump to about 20%, but is reluctant to meet certain demands around electric vehicles and foreign ownership, according to people familiar with the matter. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s negotiators are seeking a tariff lower than the 25% that takes effect Aug. 1 — aiming for something closer to levels for regional neighbors Indonesia and Vietnam, said the people, who asked not to be identified given the negotiations are ongoing. So far, Malaysia has made progress addressing US concerns over the smuggling of high-performance semiconductors, but has resisted Washington’s demands for an extension of tax breaks on American electric vehicles, a reduction of foreign shareholding limits in the politically-sensitive power and financial sectors, and a cut in subsidies for local fisherman — a major vote bank, the people said. Earlier this month, Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Aziz expressed optimism that Malaysia can reach a deal to lower tariffs. But in recent days he’s warned about poorly-executed pacts, underscoring the difficult position smaller, trade-reliant nations face in the sometimes chaotic negotiations with the Trump administration. Anwar said Monday the government draws a “red line” in its trade talks when it comes to national policies, including its preferential treatment to Malays and indigenous people. Other countries in the region have also faced frustrations in talks with the Trump administration. In early July, Vietnam was caught by surprise by a US announcement that it had agreed to a 20% tariffs, although officials believed they had a secured a more favorable range, Bloomberg News has reported. The country said last week that negotiators are still working on the terms of the deal. Malaysia’s MITI declined to comment. The White House, as well as US Commerce Department and Trade Representative, didn’t respond to requests for comment. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a briefing Monday that “the trade team and the president himself continue to be very engaged with countries around the world.” Malaysia has come under increasing pressure from Washington over what the latter says is the flow of advanced AI chips to China through the nation. The US effectively banned sales of advanced chips to China in 2022, though last week the Trump administration allowed Nvidia Corp. to resume shipments of its H20 chips. While Malaysia has said it hasn’t uncovered evidence of transshipping, it’s tightened requirements for the industry. Individuals and companies now need permits to export high-performance American AI chips and must also inform Malaysia’s MITI if they know or have reasonable grounds to suspect the items will be misused or used for restricted activities. AI chips are likely to be a relatively straightforward issue, given Malaysia’s desire to remain part of the supply chain, but other requests from Washington may be greater hurdles to reaching a deal. (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 28 luglio 2025, Kuala Lumpur