KUALA LUMPUR — With United States President Donald Trump imposing a 24% tariff on Malaysia as part of his sweeping wave of trade measures, the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) is stepping up its strategic advisory efforts to support Malaysian businesses.
MGCC aims to help local companies navigate the economic challenges posed by the US’s latest tariff measures.
Its executive director Jan Noether said the chamber is proactively equipping businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with tailored guidance, capacity-building programmes and market diversification strategies to mitigate rising operational costs and safeguard export competitiveness.
“SMEs are particularly vulnerable, as many operate on thin margins and limited capital reserves. Our role is to help them pivot swiftly, optimise their supply chains and explore new avenues for growth beyond the US market,” he said.
MGCC has activated dedicated industry working groups, including for the automotive and energy sectors, to serve as critical platforms for knowledge exchange, regulatory insight, and cross-border collaboration.
Noether emphasised that while strategic exports such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals may see minimal disruption, sectors like electronics, palm oil and automotive components could face increased cost pressures and regulatory hurdles in the US.
He underscored the importance of leveraging regional trade frameworks—notably the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership—to expand market access and counterbalance external shocks.
“As Asean chair, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to spearhead regional resilience efforts. These tariff developments, while challenging, also present a window for repositioning Malaysia as a dynamic hub in the evolving global supply chain,” he added. — April 4, 2025