0949 GMT - Malaysia's export growth could slow this year as various risks prompt caution, UOB economists Julia Goh and Loke Siew Ting say in a note. They forecast 2025 export growth at 4.5%, down from 5.7% in 2024. The UOB economists note potential U.S. tariffs on semiconductors could significantly impact Malaysia, where electronics account for 41.1% of exports. The semiconductor cycle peaked in 3Q last year, signaling a downturn thereafter, while mining exports continue to decline, they say. Volatile commodity prices and forex fluctuations add to the uncertainty, UOB says. Softening imports of intermediate goods and declining PMI for new export orders suggest cautious sentiment among exporters, UOB adds. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 20, 2025 04:49 ET (09:49 GMT)
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