KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) is strengthening its strategic advisory efforts to help Malaysian businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), navigate the challenges posed by the United States’ latest tariff measures.
MGCC executive director Jan Noether said the chamber is providing tailored guidance, capacity-building programmes, and market diversification strategies to help businesses mitigate rising operational costs and maintain 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 supply chains, and explore new growth avenues beyond the US market,” he said.
To support this, MGCC has set up industry working groups for sectors like automotive and energy to facilitate knowledge exchange, regulatory insight, and cross-border collaboration.
Noether noted that sectors such as electronics, palm oil, and automotive components may face increased cost pressures and regulatory challenges in the US, while strategic exports like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals may experience minimal disruption.
He stressed the importance of leveraging regional trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to expand market access and counterbalance external shocks.
“As ASEAN chair, Malaysia is well-positioned to lead regional resilience efforts. While these tariff measures present challenges, they also offer an opportunity to reposition Malaysia as a dynamic hub in the global supply chain,” he added.
On Wednesday, the US imposed a 24% tariff on Malaysia as part of a broader trade policy shift under former President Donald Trump.
