Malaysia awaits US response on excess capacity after concluding forced-labour tariff talks, says Johari Ghani
SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — Malaysia is awaiting Washington’s response on concerns over industrial excess capacity af...
Malaysia is waiting for the United States' reaction regarding its concerns over industrial overcapacity after finishing the forced-labour part of its talks with Washington, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Speaking at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia's 80th annual general meeting in Shah Alam, Johari stressed that the government would continue discussions with the US on the unresolved issue.
"We have completed the forced-labour component, but the excess capacity issue remains open," he was quoted as saying. "We are awaiting a response and will inform you once we receive it." The US had imposed an additional 10% Section 301 tariff on Malaysian products, starting July 24, following an investigation into Malaysia's import rules connected to forced labor.
Meanwhile, a separate probe into excessive industrial capacity in the steel sector is still pending. Johari also mentioned Malaysia's commitment under the Malaysia-US reciprocal trade agreement to ban imports made using forced labor and address global steel overcapacity. Despite this, he cautioned against allowing imports to increase faster and erode Malaysia's trade surplus, as the nation's exports to the US are still on the rise.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
