KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA February 21, 2026 — Malaysia is taking note of yesterday’s United States Supreme Court decision and is carefully evaluating its impact on bilateral trade, while closely studying President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary 10% tariff measure, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani today.
In an official statement, the minister said Malaysia has signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States but has not yet ratified it.
“We have signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade but have not ratified it and the Government is carefully assessing recent legal and policy developments in the United States,” he said.
Johari acknowledged that, despite the court ruling, Washington retains other legal tools to impose trade measures, including unilateral tariffs.
“Nevertheless, based on statements previously released by the United States, we recognise that the United States retains other legal mechanisms to impose trade measures, including unilateral tariffs, should it choose to do so. We also note the recent announcement by President Donald Trump of a temporary 10% tariff measure, and we are studying its scope and implications,” the minister added.
“At this stage, we are awaiting further clarity on how these measures will be implemented and whether additional adjustments will follow.”
The minister stressed the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. The United States remains one of the world’s largest economies with a GDP of approximately USD 31 trillion. In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and the US reached approximately RM367 billion, of which Malaysian exports to the United States totalled RM233 billion.
“Malaysia’s position is clear and consistent. We will remain committed to an open and rules-based trade, to maintain a stable and predictable business environment, and to safeguard the interests of Malaysian exporters, international investors, businesses operating in Malaysia, and workers across our economy,” Johari said.
At the same time, Malaysia will continue to strengthen its economic resilience.
“We will continue to diversify our trade relationships and strengthen regional and multilateral economic cooperation to ensure resilience in an evolving global trade environment. We will act in Malaysia’s best interests while preserving strong bilateral relations with the United States,” he concluded.
The remarks come one day after the US Supreme Court delivered a 6-3 decision limiting presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs, prompting the Trump administration to announce the new temporary 10% measure under alternative trade legislation.
About The Author
