JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 2 — The United States’ decision to impose a 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian goods will not have any impact on the competitiveness of the country's commodities in the global market.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the tariff rate remains competitive, especially since many other Asean countries also face similar rates.
“We’re almost on par with the lowest rates in Asean. For example, Indonesia is the world’s top producer of oil palm, and we’re number two.
“They are also subject to a 19 per cent rate. So, for us, 19 per cent is fair. It’s not a problem,” he said when asked if the US tariff would impact Malaysia’s commodity market.
He said this to reporters after attending the Pasir Gudang Umno Division delegates meeting in Pasir Gudang this morning.
Yesterday, the US announced the imposition of a 19 per cent tariff on imports from Malaysia effective August 1, a reduction from the previously proposed 25 per cent.
According to a statement published on the White House’s website on July 31, the revised tariffs will apply to imported goods entering the US seven days after the date of the announcement.
