Malaysia will maintain a ban on the export of raw rare earths to protect its domestic resources, despite signing a critical minerals deal with the United States this week, the trade minister said on Wednesday.

With politicians from both sides of the aisle raising concerns on the deal, a hearing will be held next month by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade.

The U.S. is expected to reach a decision on the sectoral duties by year's end, Malaysia's trade minister, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, told parliament. Malaysia, which contributed almost 10% of total U.S. semiconductor imports in 2024, is now negotiating as a "critical supply chain partner, not just a regular vendor," he said on Wednesday.

Claims that the trade agreement with the United States (US) compromises the country’s sovereignty are untrue, said Communications Minister Datuk

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States.

IEA indicates that Malaysia is critical for future rare earth refining and ASEAN and Austrlia have critical mining, reserves and refining of rare earths.

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States.

US President Donald Trump is in Japan as part of a whirlwind week of diplomacy around Asia. Release date: 27 October 2025