30-05-2025
MSIA voices concern over tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) has released the latest findings from the MSIA Electrical and Electronics (E&E)/ Semiconductor Quarterly Pulse Survey for the first quarter of 2025.
This ongoing survey aims to assess the sentiment, trends, challenges and opportunities within Malaysia's E&E or semiconductor industry on a quarterly basis.
This quarter's survey is anchored on the implications of United States (US) tariffs, trade policies and international responses — particularly the ongoing investigation under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
While most E&E and semiconductor products have not yet been subjected to reciprocal tariffs, they are under review, which has raised alarm across the industry.
The key findings are:
MSIA members are currently studying the implications of the tariff to their respective companies. Companies surveyed expressed deep concern over what lies ahead.
MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said, 'Frequent changes to tariffs and export controls have disrupted supply chains, increased costs and slowed the global economy.
'These disruptions are expected to lower global demand, which will inevitably impact Malaysia and other major trading nations.
'MSIA is hopeful that the Malaysian Government will be able to negotiate with the United States for more favourable tariff terms — especially in light of Malaysia's five-decade-long contribution to the rise of the US semiconductor giants.'
MSIA acknowledges and commends the constructive efforts of the Malaysian Government to defend the nation's interests.
MSIA is actively engaging with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the industry's concerns and recommendations are well represented in negotiations with the US.
