KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia's key index closed at an intraday high today, supported by continued buying interest even as renewed geopolitical tensions and a weaker overnight lead from Wall Street following the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) decision to stand pat on interest rates weighed on broader sentiment. The Fed has decided to hold rates steady for the fifth consecutive meeting, with the Federal Funds Rate unchanged between 3.50 per cent and 3.75 per cent. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.84 points to 1,720.40 from yesterday’s close of 1,715.56. The benchmark index, which opened 1.14 points lower at 1,714.42, hit its lowest level of 1,710.69 in early trade before gaining momentum for the rest of the day. However, the broader market was negative with losers outpacing gainers 581 to 411, while 612 counters were unchanged, 1,173 untraded, and 87 suspended. Turnover declined to 2.49 billion units valued at RM2.25 billion from ...
Trump’s 30% Tariff Threat Sparks Alarm in EU Agri-Food Sector
France’s iconic wine and cheese exporters are ringing alarm bells over President Trump’s proposed 30% tariff on EU goods — calling it potentially "disastrous" for the country’s agriculture industry.
Jean-François Loiseau, president of ANIA, warned that the new duties would hammer France’s food export competitiveness.
“It’s a real shock for milk and cheese producers,” said François Xavier Huard, CEO of dairy association FNIL, who added, “This may not be temporary.”
Why It Matters for Investors
The US is a key market for premium French cheeses (Brie, yogurt, butter) and wines.
France’s dairy sector exports nearly 50% of its production, including €350 million/year in dairy to the US.
A 30% tariff could erode demand, especially with US consumers already stretched by inflation.
French food exporters may lose competitiveness as prices climb above American consumers’ spending thresholds.
Sector in Focus
Luxury consumption products like wine are especially sensitive to price increases.
Weak dollar already making EU exports less attractive; tariffs would add more pressure.
Brands in agriculture, wine, dairy, and food logistics face downside risk in the short term.
EU’s Next Move
The European Commission is still pushing for a negotiated solution, delaying countermeasures until early August.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated a preference for diplomacy, but warned retaliatory plans are ready.
Investor Takeaways
✅ Tariff threats are real — pricing pressure will hit exporters
✅ French agri-food stocks could see headwinds (watch Danone, Lactalis, Pernod Ricard)
✅ Supply chain and marketing strategies may need overhauls
✅ EU-US trade tension is heating up ahead of a critical August 1 deadline
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