In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry is intensifying efforts to bolster the electrical and electronics sector, particularly semiconductors, to preserve the country's pivotal role in the global technology supply chain and ensure continued competitiveness.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to continue negotiations with the United States on tariff matters, indicating that Malaysia welcomes what it views as a relatively restrained rate compared to potential alternatives.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency for seizing a container suspected of carrying strategic goods to Israel at Johor's Port of Tanjung Pelepas, reinforcing the nation's principled stance against supporting Israeli operations.
Malaysia's Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is soliciting feedback from all stakeholders to refine strategies supporting local products. A new Cabinet Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof aims to coordinate cross-ministry efforts and reduce reliance on imports.
Xsolla has partnered with the Game Developers Association of the Philippines and the DTI-EMB to support local game developers through mentorship programmes, international promotion, and commerce infrastructure access.
Malaysia will conduct a comprehensive review of its import requirements and develop targeted policies to reduce reliance on foreign goods, Trade Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani announced, as the nation seeks to strengthen domestic industries and accelerate progress toward high-income economy status.
Indonesia's competitive advantage in labour-intensive exports faces pressure from US tariffs and higher production costs compared to regional rivals, forcing the government to pursue exemptions while addressing structural business challenges.
Perry Warjiyo stepped down as Bank Indonesia governor as the region grapples with US trade pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. Southeast Asian leaders are prioritizing regional cooperation and security measures.
While new US Section 301 tariffs are unlikely to significantly harm ASEAN exports in coming months due to product exemptions and lower effective rates, analysts warn that sustained American protectionism and unresolved investigations into excess capacity create mounting economic and geopolitical risks.
The US Federal Communications Commission has voted to ban the sale of devices containing components from Chinese firms including Huawei and ZTE, closing a regulatory loophole that previously allowed such parts in equipment sold in the American market.
Malaysia has secured placement in a lower US tariff tier, with a 10% duty taking effect from July 24 under Section 301 measures. The country was rewarded for commitments to enforce forced labour laws.
Malaysia has begun paying a 10% US tariff on exports following Washington's forced labour investigation, placing it among 17 countries facing this rate rather than the steeper 12.5% tier.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has instructed Malaysia's diplomatic missions abroad to actively pursue strategic partnerships, promote local products, and attract foreign investments while advancing the nation's green energy agenda.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledged that Malaysia will maintain dialogue with the United States regarding tariffs imposed over forced labour compliance, expressing relief that the rate applied is among the lowest globally.
The ringgit opened stronger against most major currencies on Friday but retreated against the US dollar as risk aversion spread through markets, prompted by fresh American trade tariffs targeting Malaysia and 59 other nations.
The United States has announced punitive tariffs ranging from 10 to 12.5 per cent against 60 trading partners, including Malaysia's major trading neighbours, for inadequately addressing forced labour in global supply chains.
The US has implemented tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on South Korea, Japan and dozens of other trading partners over alleged forced labour practices, replacing expired temporary duties.
Cambodia is pursuing an ambitious pivot toward artificial intelligence and high-tech manufacturing to revive economic growth, moving away from traditional sectors like garments and tourism as it faces slower expansion and mounting employment pressures.
Malaysia's government has instructed two key ministries to examine proposals from the plastics manufacturing sector addressing cost competitiveness and supply chain pressures. The industry, valued at RM62.69 billion in 2025, faces challenges from global supply chain disruptions and rising raw material costs.
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Malaysia's Halal Home Grown Champion programme has generated RM187.91 million in potential sales for 313 halal enterprises, including 158 Bumiputera and 52 women-owned firms, positioning the nation to expand its global halal market leadership.