Kuala lumpur: Progressive trade outcomes such as the United States’ (US) decision to reduce tariffs on Malaysian exports will have positive ripple effects across multiple sectors, including construction and manufacturing, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He announced that the move to lower tariffs from 25 per cent to 19 per cent, effective today, reflects growing confidence in Malaysia’s economic governance and stands as a testament to the country’s credibility as a reliable international trade partner.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia’s exports of furniture, lighting signs, and prefabricated building materials were estimated at US$1.55 billion (approximately RM7 billion) in 2024. Nga noted that the new rate is expected to further enhance market access and competitiveness. He emphasized that lower tariffs can facilitate greater access to quality construction materials and technologies at competitive prices, supporting the goal to build smarter, greener, and more liveable homes and cities.

Meanwhile, Nga, who is also president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), credited the outcome to sustained bilateral negotiations led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the MADANI Government. He also expressed his anticipation for US President Donald J. Trump’s upcoming visit to Kuala Lumpur in October for the 47th ASEAN Summit, stating that it will further cement the ASEAN-US partnership. Malaysia is eager to showcase its progress in sustainable development, people-centric governance, and green urban transformation under the MADANI vision.