KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October. The announcement follows a phone call between the two leaders earlier today.
During which they discussed trade issues and ongoing tariff negotiations, just ahead of the looming US tariff deadline on Malaysia. Malaysia, as this year’s ASEAN chair, sees Trump’s upcoming visit as a significant diplomatic milestone that could reshape regional dynamics. Speaking in Parliament ahead of tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Anwar said Trump’s participation underscores the strengthening of US-ASEAN ties, particularly amid a complex global economic climate. According to reports, the call was initiated by the US side just hours earlier and focused on averting the imposition of new US tariffs.
Sources suggest an agreement could be reached by August 1, capping tariffs at 20 percent or potentially lowering them to 15 percent. As part of the deal, Malaysia is expected to recognise US halal certification for products like pharmaceuticals and commit to supplying rare earth elements to the US. which are vital to America’s technology and defence sectors.
This development follows recent diplomatic efforts, including a call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on July 30. That conversation addressed Malaysia’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia — a conflict the US viewed as critical to regional stability and a condition for progressing with trade talks.
