AGN Afternoon Update | 14th April 2025

Welcome to this afternoon’s top stories from AGN Global News:

In Malaysia, furniture exporters in Muar, Johor, are racing to ship goods to the United States before President Trump’s 90-day tariff reprieve ends. With 60% of their exports destined for the U.S., manufacturers like Corporate Specialist have dramatically scaled up operations, doubling their monthly shipment output in just days. Industry leaders warn that if tariffs increase beyond 10%, American distributors may abandon Malaysian suppliers altogether.

On the international front, President Trump has confirmed that his administration will launch a national security trade investigation targeting semiconductors and electronics from China. While smartphones and computers were temporarily excluded from steep reciprocal tariffs, Trump clarified they are being shifted to a new tariff category focused on tech and pharmaceutical imports. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced these sector-specific tariffs could roll out within two months. The policy whiplash has triggered market volatility and raised concerns about a possible U.S. recession.

In Asia, China’s drive to reframe itself as a global peacemaker has gained traction through mediation efforts in Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar, and the Middle East. However, many Southeast Asian countries remain skeptical. While Beijing emphasizes diplomatic cooperation, its aggressive stance in the South China Sea casts doubt on its intentions. A recent survey showed only 10% of ASEAN respondents view China as a rules-based global leader, compared to over 26% who favor the United States.

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