US tariff expected to have limited direct impact on Sarawak’s economy, says deputy minister

Mussen speaks during the DUN sitting today. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit

KUCHING (May 20): Sarawak is adapting its economic policies to navigate the challenges posed by the recent introduction of reciprocal tariffs by the US, said Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.

The International Trade Industry and Investment Deputy Minister stated that the new 24 per cent reciprocal tariff on Malaysian imports into the US, set to take effect after a 90-day postponement from April 9 to July 8, 2025, has raised concerns but is expected to have a limited direct impact on Sarawak’s economy.

“Sarawak’s exports to the US amounted to RM1.2 billion in 2023. These total exports only contributed 0.9 per cent to Sarawak’s total exports, with the main product being ferro alloy,” he said in response to a question from Johnical Rayong Ngipa (PDP-Engkelili) during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

Mussen stated that Sarawak’s main exports consist of liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum, palm oil and aluminium.

“The exports amounted to RM102.6 billion in 2023 which contributed 78.4 per cent to Sarawak’s total exports.

“Our main export market is Asia, which contributed 73.4 per cent to the overall export market. This new tariff is expected to have minimal direct impact on Sarawak,” he said.

Mussen emphasised that Sarawak will continue to refine its economic policies by adapting to global trade dynamics, in line with proactive measures taken by the federal government to address the impact of the reciprocal tariff.

Among the measures are strengthening trade partnerships, diversifying export markets while enhancing supply chain resilience, investing in strategic industries, and exploring bilateral trade agreements to safeguard economic stability.

Mussen also said that a National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) has also been established to formulate a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impact of the US tariff on Malaysia’s economy and key sectors.

“Malaysia will continue strategic high-level engagement with the US, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) will utilise the Malaysia-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to address these concerns.

“Sarawak will continue to capitalise on its strengths and foster deeper partnerships to enhance resilience and sustain growth despite market uncertainties,” he said.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}