Too early to assess full extent of tariff impact

tors operating on thin margins or those competing in price-sensitive global supply chains, even though it is "still early to assess the full extent of the impact". Its president, Mr Soh Thian Lai, said: "FMM expects that any changes in export volumes in the short term may be gradual. While some front-loading of orders may have occurred earlier, the tariff cut is likely to encourage more exporters to consider taking on new orders going forward."

- FROM A1

In a media statement on Aug 1, Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said the 19 per cent rate roughly tracks that of other countries in South-east Asia.

The rate was also achieved without compromising the nation's sovereign right to implement key policies to support socio-economic stability and growth, it added.