President Trump secured a trade agreement with Malaysia while also brokering a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia. Trump further issued trade statements with Thailand and Vietnam and strengthened defense cooperation with Cambodia in addressing transnational crime.
According to the trade agreement, the United States and Malaysia recognize the “bonds of friendship and cooperation between them” and seek to “strengthen their commercial relationship through increased alignment on national and regional economic security matters.”
Under the historic trade deal, Malaysia will “eliminate or reduce tariffs on nearly all U.S. exports, and allow non-discriminatory or preferential market access for U.S. agricultural and industrial goods,” a White House fact sheet explains. The agreement will see Malaysia addressing a “range of non-tariff barriers to ensure that U.S. exporters can access its market,” such as ending discriminatory practices for U.S. motor vehicles.
The country will further “recognize U.S. regulatory oversight,” allowing U.S. agricultural products to be exported to Malaysia without regulatory requirements.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement on the deals that “President Trump continues to secure historic trade deals to lower tariffs on U.S. exports and eliminate trade barriers, strengthening America’s economic and national security interests.”
“These landmark deals demonstrate that America can maintain tariffs to shrink the goods trade deficit while opening new markets for American farmers, ranchers, workers, and manufacturers,” he said. “I thank my counterparts from Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam for their collaboration and commitment in achieving a more balanced trade relationship with the United States.”
President Trump celebrated the agreements on Truth Social, writing on Sunday evening, “Just leaving Malaysia, a great and very vibrant Country. Signed major Trade and Rare Earth Deals, and yesterday, most importantly, signed the Peace Treaty between Thailand and Cambodia. NO WAR! Millions of lives saved. Such an honor to have gotten this done. Now, off to Japan!!!”
