Malaysia to continue engagement with US over forced labor tariffs, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will continue negotiations with the United States over the new tariffs imposed on Malaysia related to the forced labour issue if the outcome remains unsatisfactory, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday.

The government has taken note of the latest U.S. announcement on the tariff rates, which are relatively low for Malaysia, but further negotiations would continue to ensure the country's interests are protected, Anwar told a press briefing.

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the United States will impose tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies starting Friday, citing Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measures take effect as the temporary 10 percent global tariffs expire at 12:01 a.m. Friday. Malaysia, one of the affected economies, will be subject to a 10 percent tariff. Enditem