JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 2 – The US’ move to impose a 19% reciprocal tariff on Malaysian goods will not have any impact on the competitiveness of Malaysia’s commodities in the global market, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He said the tariff rate remains competitive compared to other Asean countries, including Indonesia, which also faces the same tariff rate.
“We are almost on a par with the lowest rates in Asean. For example, Indonesia is the world’s top producer of oil palm, and we are number two.
“They are also subject to the 19% rate, so for us, 19% is fair. It’s not a problem,” he said when asked whether the US tariff would impact Malaysia’s commodity market.
He told reporters this after attending the Pasir Gudang Umno division delegates meeting in Pasir Gudang on Saturday morning.
On Friday, the US announced the imposition of a 19% reciprocal tariff on imports from Malaysia, effective Friday, Aug 1, a reduction from the previously proposed 25%.
According to a statement published on the White House’s website, the revised tariff will apply to imported goods entering the US seven days after the date of the announcement.
