KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed almost flat on Tuesday as buying interest rotated away from index heavyweights towards smaller-cap construction stocks, with sentiment affected by geopolitical uncertainty, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 0.39 of a point to 1,714.40 from Monday’s close of 1,714.79. The benchmark index opened 1.65 points lower at 1,713.14 and moved between 1,710.44 and 1,714.50 throughout the trading session. The broader market was almost evenly balanced, with decliners leading gainers 548 to 546, while 598 counters were unchanged, 1,107 were untraded and 25 were suspended. Turnover expanded to 4.13 billion units valued at RM3.14 billion from 3.60 billion units valued at RM2.45 billion on Monday.
A bitter brew may be ahead for American coffee lovers — and potentially investors — as President Trump announces a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, effective Aug 1. The shock move threatens not only Brazil–U.S. trade but also global commodity flows in coffee, orange juice, and ethanol.
Coffee: America's Morning Habit Just Got Pricier
Brazil supplies 33% of U.S. coffee demand (8.14 million bags in 2024).
With a 50% tariff, U.S. roasters are unlikely to absorb the cost.
Arabica futures jumped 1.3% Thursday on tariff fears.
Analysts say the U.S. will turn to Colombia, Honduras, Peru — but these origins lack Brazil’s volume and pricing power.
“Brazil will sell elsewhere. U.S. buyers will pay more,” said broker Michael Nugent.
Orange Juice: Supply Squeeze Worsens
Over 50% of U.S. OJ imports come from Brazil.
Domestic OJ production is at an 88-year low, hit by disease, hurricanes, and frost.
OJ futures surged 6% Thursday, signaling inflationary pressure for breakfast staples.
Ethanol & Beyond: More than Just Juice and Java
Brazil is the world’s No. 2 ethanol producer.
The U.S. imported only 300 million liters in 2024 — small, but could ripple into niche biofuel markets.
Sugar and wood exports could be next in line for price disruption.
Investor Takeaway
Watch commodity ETFs and food-related stocks (SBUX, KO, PEP, ADM).
Tariff-linked inflation risks may drive up consumer prices.
Supply chain shifts could impact margins and reshape trade flows — especially for agri-importing nations.
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