BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Beyond The Ballot Box  >  How Should Malaysia Navigate Trump’s Tariffs?

How Should Malaysia Navigate Trump’s Tariffs?

Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute

08-Apr-25 15:00

 How Should Malaysia Navigate Trump’s Tariffs?

Last week, the world watched as U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines once again — this time by declaring “Liberation Day.” But instead of fireworks and parades, he brought out a sweeping new tariff regime. At the heart of it? A universal 10% tariff that spares no one — not even a remote, uninhabited territory like Heard Island and McDonald Islands, best known for its penguins.

Beyond the universal tariff, Trump also unveiled “reciprocal tariffs” — targeted duties that vary by country. China faces a crushing 54%, Vietnam 46%, Thailand 26%, and Malaysia 24%, among many others. Even supposed allies like the European Union received a 20% tariff.

But what do these numbers mean, exactly? How will they impact Malaysia and ASEAN? 

To help us make sense of it all, we’re joined by Yin Shao Loong, Deputy Director of Research at the Khazanah Research Institute. He breaks down the "logic" (or lack thereof) behind Trump’s tariff policy, the impact it could have on the region, and how Malaysia should navigate the storm.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Dashran Yohan

Presented by: Dashran Yohan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  politicsinternationalgovernment

Tags:  the bigger picturebeyond the ballot boxpresident donald trumpunilateral tariffsreciprocal tariffsstock marketLiberation DayTrump's Tariffsdonald trumpmalaysiaasean





Play / Pause

Listen now : Enterprise Explores: Farid Zakwan, Team Captain & Macy Lim, Lam Research, Ilylia...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Sonia Mycak of ANU weighs in on Washington’s new sanctions against Russia’s major oil companies.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Munira Mustaffa, Chasseur Group & Dr. Benjamin Loh, Monash University talks about disinformation & media literacy.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister talks about the upcoming ASEAN Summit and MITI's role in ensuring Malaysia's economic resilience.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Alvin Andrew, Founder, FUBIZO

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Farid Zakwan, Team Captain & Macy Lim, Lam Research, Ilylia Kamaruzaman, Founder, Roboticist Malaysia

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

What began as a small neighbourhood collaboration has grown into PESZTA, a vibrant festival celebrating Kampung Attap’s creative spirit. We speak to the organisers about what’s new in its fourth edition.

3:20 PM

Front Row

We find out about the A4 Art Fair 2025, which celebrates “The Art of Everything,” blurring the lines between art, design, and everyday life.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House: Are kids today living in an environment that is “too hygienic”? Are their immune systems really becoming weaker? Find out from the expert.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

We review Good Fortune, and then discuss the best (and worst) of Keanu Reeves movies.

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector