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MITI to help exporters navigate revised 19pct US tariff

MITI to help exporters navigate revised 19pct US tariff

KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) will work with other ministries and agencies to help Malaysian exporters adjust to the revised 19 per cent United States (US) tariff on Malaysian goods.
This includes maximising the use of Malaysia's 18 free trade agreements, strengthening market diversification and accelerating key industrial reform initiatives, MITI said in a statement today.
Policy frameworks under focus include the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the Green Investment Strategy and the National Semiconductor Strategy, each aimed at enhancing efficiency, boosting productivity and positioning Malaysian companies to compete globally.
"MITI will continue to work closely with stakeholders to maximise the opportunities from this development," said minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
"We remain committed to defending Malaysia's trade interests while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with key economies, including the US."
The ministry also highlighted Malaysia's strong economic fundamentals, citing robust domestic demand and an investment realisation rate of over 85 per cent.
The US is Malaysia's largest export destination with trade valued at RM198.65 billion. It is also the country's largest source of foreign direct investment, with RM32.82 billion in approved investments recorded in 2024.
MITI said it will roll out targeted outreach programmes in the coming months to assist Malaysian companies, especially small and medium enterprises, in navigating the revised tariff landscape and identifying new export opportunities.
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