INTERACTIVE: What you need to know about Malaysia’s exports to the US, in 4 charts


The US imposes a 25% tariff on Malaysian goods starting August 1—KK SHAM/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The 25% tariff which the United States imposed on Malaysia will have far-reaching economic consequences.

The tariff, effective August 1, was stated in a letter posted on US president Donald Trump’s Truth Social, is 1% more than the 24% imposed previously and that was paused for 90 days.

In his initial response to the announcement, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the rate was unexpected but that there is still time to negotiate with the United States.

Below are four charts explaining Malaysia’s trade with the US, based on information from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the United State Census Bureau.

 

 

The United States is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner, with exports to the US totaling RM198.65bil, according to DOSM’s figures.

The balance of trade between Malaysia and the US has meanwhile narrowed slightly, from RM72.42bil in 2023 to RM72.39bil last year.

 

 

Electrical machinery and equipment are the biggest category of export items that Malaysia ships to the US, with US$23.73bil exported last year, according to ITC’s Trade Map data.

Industrial machinery, mechanical appliances and components came second at US$6.31bil followed by scientific, optical, and medical equipment (US$3.89bil).

 

 

According to figures from the US Census Bureau, Malaysia’s annual exports to the country has steadily grown from US$2.3bil in 1985 to hit a high of US$56.05bil in 2021.

The figures, which are on a nominal basis, dropped to US$46.1bil in 2023 before rising to US$52.49bil last year.

 

 

The US Census Bureau’s figures show that Malaysia’s monthly exports to the US dipped slightly in April this year to US$4.73bil compared to US$5.64bil in March.

However, exports rose again in May to US$5.03bil.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Johor polls: Nomination process underway at all 56 centres
Johor polls: Fine weather sets tone for Nomination Day
75-year-old injured after car crashes into lorry near Tapah
Johor polls: Wawasan will campaign for specific leaders, not parties, says Hamzah
Nacsa says Health Ministry, other govt agency websites hacked; urges immediate patch to fix vulnerability
Johor polls (Live Updates): Nomination centres open doors
‘Teach You a Lesson’ star started from rock bottom
Woman charged over deaths of 41 cats
Man slashes wife after seeing her talking to male neighbour
Seniors still have natural teeth thanks to regular brushing

Others Also Read