MICCI backs MITI's move to centralise US export certification
MICCI president Christina Tee said the move is a strategic and necessary step to reinforce Malaysia's trade position in light of intensifying global trade tensions.
Highlighting the need for a unified national strategy, Tee said the chamber is prepared to relinquish its role in issuing NPCOs for the US market—even though it contributes to MICCI's revenue.
"Although it is one of our income sources, we are very confident that the amount of exports to the US certified by us is less than 15 per cent and we have a lot of other NPCO issued for other countries.
"We are willing to give out 15 per cent of the NPCO to support the success of Miti as the issuer so that we can actually win in this tariff war on the national level," she told the media during an engagement session today.
Previously, NPCOs for exports to the US were issued by a range of business chambers, including MICCI. However, in response to the latest US tariff hikes, MITI has opted to assume full control of the certification process to streamline compliance and reinforce export integrity.
Tee expressed confidence in MITI's capabilities, noting its prior experience issuing NPCOs for other countries, including India and Turkey.
"The only thing now is the workload. Such a big workload. But give them some time; they will resolve it. I can tell you, the Miti system and MIDA system during the pandemic were superb. They worked around the clock," she added.
Tee pointed out that exporters shipping by sea typically have a two-week window to obtain the necessary documentation, which should help ease the transition, while noting that Miti is likely to increase resources to handle the surge in applications.
MICCI has also pledged to monitor the situation closely on behalf of its members, ensuring any delays or issues are raised promptly with MITI.
"What we as MICCI will do is monitor how our members are experiencing this. If there are delays, we will continue our engagement with Miti. They've already proven to be one of the most effective government agencies, especially during the pandemic," she said.
On MICCI's own practices, the president stressed the chamber's strict standards in issuing NPCOs, which are only provided to vetted members actively involved in manufacturing operations in Malaysia.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
French buyers to participate in flagship event at Mihas 2025 in September
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to welcome global halal industry leaders to the 21st edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2025), which will take place from Sept 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) and organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Mihas continues to serve as the world's largest halal trade exhibition – bringing together buyers, sellers and industry leaders from more than 90 countries. This year, five French buyers from the modest fashion and food and beverage sectors are confirmed to participate in Mihas's flagship International Sourcing Programme. Malaysia's ambassador to France, Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, said Mihas is more than a trade event – it is a global platform for innovation, sustainability and quality. 'Halal is increasingly recognised worldwide as a value-based certification that ensures safety, cleanliness and integrity. It is not just for Muslims – it represents a trusted system of quality control, traceability and ethical assurance for all consumers. I am delighted to see significant French participation this year, as Malaysia continues to build bridges across Halal economies and open new avenues for global partnerships,' he added. In line with current market trends, Mihas also showcases products that emphasise organic, vegan and sustainable practices, broadening its appeal to the conscious consumer segment worldwide According to the Halal Industry Master Plan, demand for halal products is estimated at over US$3 trillion (RM12.8 trillion) and is projected to reach US$5 trillion by 2030. 'Beyond Malaysia, Mihas is a strategic gateway to the wider Asean market of over 680 million people,' said Sebastien Chan Yik Sing, the newly appointed economic counsellor at the Malaysian embassy in Paris. 'French buyers can leverage Mihas not only to source quality halal products, but also to connect with the fast-growing Asean market through Malaysia's trusted and well-established halal ecosystem.' In 2024, Mihas recorded RM4.3 billion in sales and welcomed over 43,000 visitors. The upcoming 21st edition, themed 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence', aims to surpass these milestones with a sales target of RM4.5 billion, featuring cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools via the Madani Digital Trade Platform to enhance real-time sourcing, matchmaking and trade connections.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
US tariff cut benefits Malaysia SMEs, says Penang CM Chow
GEORGE TOWN: The tariff reduction for Malaysia, from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, is seen as a good step forward and comes as a positive achievement and a relief for many, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The chief minister said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might remain exposed in the new tariff environment, and hoped that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) would continue negotiating for better deals for these businesses. 'We hope MITI will continue negotiating better deals and prepare for the possible impact, especially on our small and medium industries (SMEs), who may be more exposed in this new environment,' he told reporters at the GBS By The Sea launching ceremony in Bayan Lepas here, today. Chow said that the current exemptions remained in place for now, but expects the situation to become clearer by the end of the year. He highlighted that Penang accounted for about 55 per cent of Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) exports, highlighting the state's vital contribution to the national economy and reinforcing the urgency for strategic trade negotiations. It was reported earlier that the US would impose a reduced 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian imports, effective Aug 1, 2025. On July 7, Washington announced a 25 per cent tariff on all Malaysian products entering the US, in addition to existing sectoral tariffs, effective Aug 1 this year. This figure was one percentage point higher than the tariff rate announced in April. Meanwhile, on the Penang-Perak water project, Chow said negotiations with the Perak state authority would commence soon. 'We are working pretty well. Negotiations with Perak will begin very soon, followed by the implementation of the project. The target is by 2030 to 2031,' he said. Chow added that the additional water supply would be crucial for supporting the Penang Development Corporation (PDC)'s efforts to open new areas for industrial development. The chief minister also highlighted that Penang remained on a strong growth trajectory, driven by positive investment sentiment, including both new investments and expansions. 'We are currently focused on expanding our industrial parks. Recently, I announced that we have sufficient industrial land for the next five years. 'But sometimes, we may speak too soon. When one or two large investors come in with big land requirements, we have to work even harder to ensure the land is ready,' he said. - Bernama
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
US tariff cut a relief but Miti must fight on for SME protection, says Penang chief minister
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 2 — The tariff reduction for Malaysia, from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, is seen as a good step forward and comes as a positive achievement and a relief for many, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. The chief minister said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might remain exposed in the new tariff environment, and hoped that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) would continue negotiating for better deals for these businesses. 'We hope Miti will continue negotiating better deals and prepare for the possible impact, especially on our small and medium industries (SMEs), who may be more exposed in this new environment,' he told reporters at the GBS By The Sea launching ceremony in Bayan Lepas here, today. Chow said that the current exemptions remained in place for now, but expects the situation to become clearer by the end of the year. He highlighted that Penang accounted for about 55 per cent of Malaysia's electrical and electronics (E&E) exports, highlighting the state's vital contribution to the national economy and reinforcing the urgency for strategic trade negotiations. It was reported earlier that the US would impose a reduced 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian imports, effective Aug 1, 2025. On July 7, Washington announced a 25 per cent tariff on all Malaysian products entering the US, in addition to existing sectoral tariffs, effective Aug 1 this year. This figure was one percentage point higher than the tariff rate announced in April. Meanwhile, on the Penang-Perak water project, Chow said negotiations with the Perak state authority would commence soon. 'We are working pretty well. Negotiations with Perak will begin very soon, followed by the implementation of the project. The target is by 2030 to 2031,' he said. Chow added that the additional water supply would be crucial for supporting the Penang Development Corporation (PDC)'s efforts to open new areas for industrial development. The chief minister also highlighted that Penang remained on a strong growth trajectory, driven by positive investment sentiment, including both new investments and expansions. 'We are currently focused on expanding our industrial parks. Recently, I announced that we have sufficient industrial land for the next five years. 'But sometimes, we may speak too soon. When one or two large investors come in with big land requirements, we have to work even harder to ensure the land is ready,' he said. — Bernama
