Govt yet to receive official notice from US on ART status, says Johari


KUALA LUMPUR: The government has not received any black and white from the United States (US) government regarding any decision related to the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), following the US Supreme Court's decision to cancel most of the global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said that within five months, the US will conduct a review to determine the new tariff rate.

“There is none (official notification from the US government on the null and void status of ART). They (US) said that the court (US Supreme Court) said the agreement is null and void.

"Within the first five-month period, we will discuss but now they (US) are investigating each country (for the tariff rate)...There are 60 countries (involved).

"Later when they (US) have the findings, they will give us a proposal. So let's take it and discuss what the conditions are," he said when met at Masjid Al-Akram, Kampung Datuk Keramat here, Monday (March 16).

He said this when met by reporters after the launch of the Kampung Angkat Madani (adoption of village) programme by the ministry for 2026.

When asked about Perikatan Nasional’s request for the ministry to provide a comprehensive explanation on the current status of ART, Johari said they should refer to the decision made by the US Supreme Court.

"Where do you want to explain? Tell them to read the US court's decision. The US hasn't even written us a letter (regarding the official cancellation of ART)," he said.

On Monday, Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said a full disclosure of the ART’s termination was necessary given its economic and diplomatic implications for Malaysia, and the measures being taken to safeguard national interests.

On March 15, Johari said the trade deal between Malaysia and the United States is no longer applicable following a decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn most of the sweeping tariff measures introduced by Trump where Malaysia is expected to to face a tariff rate of 19%.

However, he said Malaysia is currently only subject to a global tariff of 10%.

 

 

 

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