KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia should seize the opportunity to maintain the 10% tariff imposed by the United States on imported goods, said National Consumer Foundation (NCF) Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan.
In welcoming the surplus created by the retention of the 10% US tariff, he said that most Asean countries were unlikely to retaliate, and this development could bring much-needed relief to Malaysian consumers.
In light of ongoing global economic uncertainties, including currency fluctuations and rising living costs, the continuation of the 10% tariff by the US on selected goods has inadvertently generated a surplus, he said.
“This could potentially lower the cost of certain imports, especially from countries that are not engaged in retaliatory trade actions,” Chan said.
"We urge the relevant Malaysian authorities to seize this opportunity to channel the tariff surplus into mechanisms that will cushion the impact of high food and consumer goods prices on our rakyat," he added.
He said most Asean nations were adopting a wait-and-see approach and not engaging in retaliation, which opens a window for regional price stability and consumer benefit.
NCF Sabah believes that transparent measures must be taken to ensure that this surplus translates into practical, everyday relief for Malaysian families, Chan stressed.
This includes promoting fair pricing in the local supply chain, reducing import-related costs, and increasing support for small retailers and low-income households, he said.
“We remain committed to voicing out for the welfare of the people. Any global economic adjustment must be translated into tangible benefits for consumers on the ground,” he said, adding that they will continue to monitor the impact of international trade developments and advocate for consumer-friendly policies at both state and federal levels.
Earlier, Malaysia was slapped with a 24% reciprocal import tariff by the United States, effective April 9.
However, within hours since the tariff took effect, President Donald Trump announced a reprieve, with the 10% tariff suspended for 90 days for more than 75 countries that have been willing to negotiate with the US.
Negotiations during the 90-day pause will decide whether tariffs on Malaysia would be lifted, maintained at 24%, or reduced, with the outcome subject to Malaysia’s willingness to reduce or eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers for US businesses.
