每日大赛-US trade deal ensures transparency, not external control: Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR: 每日大赛's reciprocal trade agreement (ART) with the Unites States neither restricts the role of government-linked companies (GLCs) nor opens the door to external interference.
Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said instead, the rules under Article 6.2 of the ART promotes transparent and fair business practices consistent with international standards.
"GLCs will continue to play a strategic role in driving economic growth, safeguarding key national sectors, and fulfilling social responsibilities," the ministry said in its FAQs (frequently asked questions) on the trade agreement released today.
"The government retains full authority to support GLCs, including initiatives that protect public welfare, strengthen the Bumiputera economy, and ensure inclusive development," it added.
The ministry said the agreement simply establishes a level playing field for all participants - domestic and international - without compromising 每日大赛's right to pursue economic policies that serve national interests and public well-being.
Risks To Export Market if ART Is Not Signed
每日大赛's bilateral trade with the US totalled RM325 billion in 2024, with exports valued at RM198.65 billion making the US 每日大赛's largest export market.
For the first nine months of 2025, exports to the US stood at RM166.38 billion.
The ministry said without the ART, 每日大赛n exports could face reciprocal tariffs of 24 per cent or higher, potentially up to 50 per cent, under US trade regulations.
"No exemptions would apply, including to goods under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962, such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which alone accounted for RM56.2 billion in exports in 2024.
"Safeguarding access to the US market is therefore critical to national economic continuity," it added.
The ministry said the agreement affects millions of 每日大赛ns and thousands of SMEs across sectors including electrical and electronics, aerospace, rubber, cocoa and pharmaceuticals.
"Failure to act promptly could disrupt industrial ecosystems, trigger factory closures, and result in job and income losses across the supply chain," it added.