Malaysian tech SMEs will face immediate pinch, but Asian ties will aid recovery

The Edge Malaysia | 4 April 2025

US President Donald Trump’s introduction of a 24% reciprocal tariff on imports from Malaysia has thrown a spanner in the works for tech companies. However, industry players remain confident that local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups will weather the storm — though not without experiencing funding and supply chain disruptions.

Malaysia’s strong ties within Asia and the region are expected to form the backbone of the tech sector’s resilience. Players are optimistic that this will encourage market diversification and bolster long-term funding and investment.