by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 9: The US’ reciprocal tariff will not have a significant impact on Sarawak’s economy, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says.
According to a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the Premier pointed out that Sarawak’s main exports do not heavily rely on the US market, but are more focused on countries in East Asia, India, and Europe.
He said, among the main commodities produced by Sarawak are liquefied natural gas (LNG) and palm oil, which are exported to countries such as Japan, Korea, China, and India.
“These tariffs do not significantly affect Sarawak because our exports to the US are minimal, while our main commodity, LNG, is mostly exported to Japan and some to Korea.
“The second largest commodity is palm oil, which is widely exported to China and India. Apart from that, other goods are also exported to European Union (EU) countries,” he explained.
Regarding the impact of the tariff on the semiconductor industry here, Abang Johari assured that semiconductor chips manufactured in Sarawak are mostly exported to European countries.
“Overall, the affected industry for Malaysia is semiconductor exports.
“However, for Sarawak, most of our semiconductor chips are exported to the EU and the impact is not that sizable. If any, the impact is very minimal on the industry,” he said, when met by the media after visiting Advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), Dato Sri Naroden Majais’ Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 Open House yesterday.
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 10 per cent baseline tariff on all imports to the US, with Malaysia facing a 24 per cent reciprocal tariff from the US. – DayakDaily
