Johor Plantations : Reported a 13% rise in 3Q net profit to RM77.1 million on stronger crude palm oil (CPO) prices and higher sales volume. Revenue increased by 18% to RM404.13 million , with an interim dividend of 1.25 sen per share . Year-to-date net profit surged 69% . United Plantations : Declared a 60 sen per share dividend , including a 20 sen special dividend, alongside a one-for-two bonus issue . However, 3Q profit fell 8.8% to RM215.03 million due to increased operating expenses. Revenue grew slightly by 1.4% to RM547.67 million. VSTECS : Posted a record-high revenue of RM841.76 million in 3Q, driving net profit up 54% to RM19.58 million, supported by consumer and enterprise product growth. Announced a 2.8 sen dividend for the quarter. Swift Haulage : 3Q net profit fell nearly 80% to RM5.77 million, impacted by higher finance costs and lack of one-off gains. Revenue grew by 8.9% to RM183.06 million. Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering : Turned profitable in 3Q with a
Expect significant new tariffs on Chinese imports and moderate levies on goods from other nations, as President-elect Donald Trump rolls out his protectionist agenda. However, with his preference for chaotic policymaking and sudden shifts, there’s uncertainty on how soon these import taxes will actually hit.
Dubbed “Tariff Man,” Trump aims to use tariffs both strategically and tactically. He’s mentioned taxing all Chinese goods up to 60% and potentially setting 10%-20% tariffs on imports globally, but details on these plans remain vague.
Key players within Trump’s team are divided: Robert Lighthizer, a staunch tariff advocate, sees permanent duties as crucial to balance US trade, while others, like billionaires John Paulson and Scott Bessent, view tariffs as temporary leverage. Trump’s previous administration had mixed feelings, especially on national security-related trade limits, which he sometimes dismissed, favoring an “open for business” approach.
High-profile businessmen like Elon Musk could influence Trump’s decisions, especially since Musk’s Tesla operations in China could be at risk if trade tensions escalate. Musk, who supported Trump’s re-election, could play peacemaker or sway policies to avoid retaliatory actions from China.
Analysts predict targeted tariffs rather than blanket levies, potentially focused on specific Chinese and European goods. Meanwhile, a revised USMCA could address Chinese manufacturing setups in Mexico that bypass US tariffs—a topic relevant to Musk, who plans a factory in Monterrey.
For businesses and investors, prepare for volatile trade policies, high economic stakes, and a resilient global economy facing a new wave of “Tariff Man’s” moves. CEOs and policymakers are now better prepared to handle the turbulence Trump’s tariffs may bring.
source: Bloomberg
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