KUALA LUMPUR: The US Supreme Court tariffs decision was not considered when the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) was signed, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
"When you sign an agreement, you need to have the right intention,” said the International Trade and Industry Minister, adding that delaying it for the sake of rectifications would be deemed improper as a government.
He said this during a media conference announcing the 2025 Third Quarter Performance Report Card at the ministry on Thursday (Nov 13).
Tengku Zafrul stated this when asked if the ART could have been delayed or rectified should the US Supreme Court overturn US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
In the United States, more than 700 businesses signed an amicus brief for the Supreme Court opposing the tariffs. The businesses are a part of the “We Pay the Tariffs” coalition.
The agreement between the United States and Malaysia was witnessed by Trump and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 26 during the Asean Summit 2025.
This agreement sets specific, stable tariff rates, such as a 19% rate on certain items, intended to provide certainty and relief for Malaysian exporters amidst broader, fluctuating US tariff regimes.
Trump’s authority to impose wide-ranging tariffs is also currently being challenged at the US Supreme Court, where justices have questioned whether he can implement such measures without Congress’ approval.
