SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — Malaysia is awaiting Washington’s response on concerns over industrial excess capacity after completing the forced-labour component of its discussions with the US, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani today.
The Star reported that Johari, speaking at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) 80th annual general meeting here, said the government would continue engaging the US on the outstanding issue.
“We have finalised the forced-labour component. The issue of excess capacity has not been concluded yet,” he was quoted as saying.
“We are waiting for a response and will provide an update once received,” he reportedly added.
The US imposed an additional 10 per cent Section 301 tariff on Malaysian goods, subject to exemptions, from July 24 following its investigation into Malaysia’s rules on imports linked to forced labour, while a separate investigation into structural excess capacity remains unresolved.
Under the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, Malaysia has committed to prohibit imports made using forced labour as well as take steps to address global excess capacity in the steel sector.
Johari also reportedly said Malaysia’s exports to the US continued to grow, but cautioned against allowing imports to rise faster and weaken the country’s trade surplus.
