MALAYSIA-US Trade Profile

Comprehensive analysis of MALAYSIA exports to the United States, including trade volumes, commodity breakdown, tariff rates, and logistics infrastructure.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting MALAYSIA imports.

Trade Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Country | MALAYSIA | | Country Code | MY | | Total US Imports | $48.43 billion (2023) | | Number of Products | 8+ HS codes tracked | | Tariff Exposure | 0-25% (MFN + potential Section 301/232) |

Top Import Categories

The United States imported 8+ different products from MALAYSIA in 2023. Here are the top 10 by value:

1. Telecom equipment (HS 8517)

Import Value: $23.96 billion (49.5% of total)
HS Code: 8517
Tariff Rate: View HS 8517 MY tariff

Telecom equipment is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 49.5% of bilateral trade.

2. Computer parts/accessories (HS 8473)

Import Value: $8.51 billion (17.6% of total)
HS Code: 8473
Tariff Rate: View HS 8473 MY tariff

Computer parts/accessories is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 17.6% of bilateral trade.

3. Furniture (HS 9403)

Import Value: $6.64 billion (13.7% of total)
HS Code: 9403
Tariff Rate: View HS 9403 MY tariff

Furniture is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 13.7% of bilateral trade.

4. Medical instruments (HS 9018)

Import Value: $4.70 billion (9.7% of total)
HS Code: 9018
Tariff Rate: View HS 9018 MY tariff

Medical instruments is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 9.7% of bilateral trade.

5. Microphones/loudspeakers (HS 8518)

Import Value: $2.72 billion (5.6% of total)
HS Code: 8518
Tariff Rate: View HS 8518 MY tariff

Microphones/loudspeakers is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 5.6% of bilateral trade.

6. Electrical apparatus (HS 8536)

Import Value: $1.39 billion (2.9% of total)
HS Code: 8536
Tariff Rate: View HS 8536 MY tariff

Electrical apparatus is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 2.9% of bilateral trade.

7. Plastic articles (HS 3926)

Import Value: $0.27 billion (0.6% of total)
HS Code: 3926
Tariff Rate: View HS 3926 MY tariff

Plastic articles is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 0.6% of bilateral trade.

8. Plastic sheets/film (HS 3920)

Import Value: $0.24 billion (0.5% of total)
HS Code: 3920
Tariff Rate: View HS 3920 MY tariff

Plastic sheets/film is a major export from MALAYSIA, representing 0.5% of bilateral trade.

Commodity Breakdown Table

| Rank | Product | HS Code | Import Value (2023) | Share of Total | |------|---------|---------|-------------------|----------------| | 1 | Telecom equipment | 8517 | $23.96B | 49.5% | | 2 | Computer parts/accessories | 8473 | $8.51B | 17.6% | | 3 | Furniture | 9403 | $6.64B | 13.7% | | 4 | Medical instruments | 9018 | $4.70B | 9.7% | | 5 | Microphones/loudspeakers | 8518 | $2.72B | 5.6% | | 6 | Electrical apparatus | 8536 | $1.39B | 2.9% | | 7 | Plastic articles | 3926 | $0.27B | 0.6% | | 8 | Plastic sheets/film | 3920 | $0.24B | 0.5% |

Tariff Landscape

Current Tariff Rates

MFN Tariff Rates: MALAYSIA products enter under Most-Favored Nation rates:

Base Rates: 0-15% depending on HS classification
Average Rate: Varies by product category
Section 301 Risk: Potential additional tariffs if trade disputes arise
FTA Status: No current free trade agreement with US

Tariff Considerations:

Product-specific rates vary widely
No preferential access like USMCA countries
Lower than China but higher than Mexico/Canada

Tariff Impact by Product

View detailed tariff rates for specific MALAYSIA products:

Logistics & Shipping

Major Trade Routes

MALAYSIA goods typically ship to the US via:

Ocean Shipping:

Container services from major MALAYSIA ports
Transit times: 7-25 days depending on route
Freight rates vary by season and capacity

US Ports of Entry:

Transit Times

| Route Type | Transit Time | Notes | |------------|-------------|-------| | Ocean Freight | 10-20 days | Port-to-port | | Air Freight | 3-7 days | Premium option | | Door-to-Door | 18-30 days | Including customs |

Risk Management

Supply Chain Risks

Tariff Volatility:

Moderate risk (potential Section 301 actions)
Policy changes can occur with 60-90 days notice
Effective tariff rates can double or triple

Logistics Risks:

Port congestion at US gateways
Regional supply chain bottlenecks
Seasonal capacity constraints

Hedging Strategies

1. Tariff Prediction Markets

Hedge MALAYSIA tariff exposure using tariff prediction markets:

Example:

Exposure: $10M annual imports from MALAYSIA
Current Tariff: 5-15%
Hedge: Buy "MY-US Tariff > 25%" position
Protection: Payout offsets increased duty costs

2. Sourcing Diversification

Don't rely solely on MALAYSIA:

Blend MALAYSIA with multiple regions
Reduce concentration risk
Maintain supply chain flexibility

3. USMCA Optimization

Consider shifting production to USMCA countries:

Mexico/Canada offer 0% tariffs
Shorter supply chains
Lower tariff risk

Related Resources

MALAYSIA Ports - Major export gateways
Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management
Section 301 Tariffs - China trade actions
Container Shipping Routes - MALAYSIA-US logistics

Sources

U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Ballast Markets bilateral trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy and bilateral negotiations. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates and compliance requirements with customs brokers and trade advisors. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from official U.S. government sources but may contain errors or be outdated. For sourcing and compliance decisions, always verify with customs brokers and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04