Malaysia to Purchase 30 More Boeing Aircraft Worth $9.5 Billion in Second Phase

Malaysia has committed to purchasing an additional 30 Boeing aircraft worth $9.5 billion as part of reciprocal negotiations with the US. This is in addition to the 30 Boeing aircraft already purchased in the first phase, valued at $9.5 billion. The purchase aims to address trade deficit with the US and strengthen Malaysia's position in the global aviation industry.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to purchase an additional 30 Boeing aircraft, valued at approximately US$9.5 billion, as part of ongoing reciprocal negotiations with the United States. This latest commitment follows a previous purchase of 30 Boeing aircraft in the first phase, also valued at US$9.5 billion. The move is aimed at addressing Malaysia's trade deficit with the US and strengthening its position in the global aviation industry.

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced the new purchase during a press conference at Miti headquarters. He explained that the first phase involved 13 aircraft, valued at US$9.5 billion, and the second phase will involve an additional 13 aircraft of similar value. The Minister emphasized that these commercial undertakings are mutually beneficial, creating downstream opportunities for Malaysia’s aviation and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sectors.

The purchase signals Malaysia’s continued support of bilateral trade ties and aerospace cooperation with the United States, amid broader negotiations on tariffs and market access. While Zafrul did not specify which airlines or agencies were involved in the Boeing deals, he reiterated that such commercial undertakings are aimed at mutual benefit.

This latest development comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing trade negotiations between the US and its global partners. The US has introduced new tariffs on various countries, including Malaysia, which has seen its tariff rate reduced from 25 percent to 19 percent as part of a trade agreement [2].

Malaysia’s Trade Ministry has hailed this tariff reduction as a significant achievement, stating that it reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach by US authorities. The ministry emphasized that the 19 percent rate is comparable to that of other Southeast Asian countries and that Malaysia had stood firm on key national interests during negotiations [2].

The additional Boeing aircraft purchase is part of a broader strategy to enhance Malaysia's aviation capabilities and address its trade deficit with the US. By investing in advanced aircraft technology, Malaysia aims to bolster its competitiveness in the global aviation market and create new opportunities for its domestic industries.

References:
[1] https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/malaysia-reaffirms-us-19b-purchase-104131379.html
[2] https://jakartaglobe.id/business/us-trade-partners-around-the-world-react-to-trumps-new-tariffs