For years, Malaysia rode quietly beneath the radar — exporting semiconductors, palm oil, rubber goods, and electronics into the U.S. with preferential tariffs. We enjoyed the benefits of globalisation without paying the full price of competition. A US$25–30 billion trade surplus year after year bought political comfort.
But that old world is gone. The new U.S.–Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs (ART) just flipped the script. It’s Washington’s polite way of saying: “If you want access to our market, open yours.” No more sweetheart deals. No more tariff shields. The game is now reciprocity — and Malaysia must play on equal footing with a country that’s ten times our GDP and armed with superior capital, influence, and control over global narratives.
More, here.
