US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan said that during US President Trump's visit to Malaysia, topics such as semiconductor tariffs, trade, investment, regional security, and stability are expected to be discussed.
He used semiconductors as an example, stating that Malaysia is an extremely important partner for the US, as US companies—especially those focused on Western supply chains—have made very large-scale investments in this field.
"I can tell you that Malaysia's important role has already been recognized. Therefore, the issue of tariffs will be one of the topics discussed during Trump's visit to Malaysia."
Kagan made these comments on Thursday (23rd) when responding to a question from Bernama during the US-Malaysia Digital Dialogue.
When asked about the possibility of the US maintaining the tariff exemption on Malaysian semiconductor exports, Kagan said that although he could not comment on this matter, he believes Malaysia is an extremely important semiconductor partner for the US.
"I think, regardless of how things develop regarding tariffs, this situation is unlikely to change rapidly."
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi previously announced that Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on the 26th of this month.
This will be Trump's first visit to Asia since he began his second term as president in January this year, and it is also the first visit by a US president to Malaysia since Obama's visit in 2015.
As for whether Trump will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders during the ASEAN Summit, Kagan remained tight-lipped, but he pointed out that whenever a US president travels abroad, meeting with the host country is customary, and this time the host is Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar.
"So yes, I think we will have a very good discussion."