KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Malaysia has reached out

to U.S. counterparts seeking clarity on the latest plan to

impose steep tariffs on U.S. imports of semiconductors and could

risk losing a key market if its products become less

competitive, its trade minister said on Thursday.

Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz told

parliament that Malaysia, a key chipmaker, was advocating for

its exporters to ensure that any changes to policy or exemption

criteria can be negotiated earlier.