KUCHING: The latest tariff, amounting to 24 per cent imposed by the United States of America (USA) on Malaysia, is anticipated to have a more significant impact on West Malaysia as opposed to Sarawak.
However, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president, Datuk Richard Wee Liang Chiat, said all affected industries may have to take into consideration the impact on the effective quantum and the possible duration of such measure.
“Malaysia will have impact on the tariffs imposed by USA, particularly the semiconductor sector as well as the pharmaceutical sector, which they export to USA as part of their supply chain.
“In Sarawak, similarly the semiconductor and electronics industries operating out of Samajaya may be affected by such measures.
“I hope the federal government should be proactive to have dialogues and talks with USA to minimise the impact,” he told Sarawak Tribune today.
He also added that the new tariff is expected to cause recession in USA, and that may be a lasting effect on the world economy, including Malaysia.
USA President Donald Trump on Thursday announced reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries, including Malaysia.
This has been reportedly to be the most aggressive trade levies imposed by the USA.
Effective April 9, Malaysia would be facing a 24 per cent reciprocal tariff from the USA as part of its broad trade policy targeting countries that have large trade deficits with the USA.
