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.
Thailand is playing hardball — or perhaps softball — in trade talks with the US, offering to cut tariffs on more American goods in hopes of avoiding crippling 36% duties on its own exports.
What’s on the Table?
Finance Minister Pichai Chunahavajira revealed that Thailand may:
Slash tariffs to zero on US longan and tilapia
Eliminate taxes on goods already covered under other FTAs
Legalize imports of left-hand drive cars from the US
These sweeteners are aimed at convincing Washington to back off the planned tariff hike, set to hit on August 1.
Without a deal, Thailand’s economic growth could take a 1% hit, officials warn.
Why This Matters:
The US is Thailand’s largest export market, taking in 18% of total shipments
Thailand ran a US$46 billion trade surplus with the US in 2024
Thai exports jumped 15% in the first 5 months of 2025, thanks to front-loaded orders ahead of tariffs
The Strategy:
Thailand has already promised to:
Cut tariffs on 90% of US goods
Buy more US farm and energy products
Dismantle non-tariff barriers
But some US demands go beyond trade, touching on geopolitical issues — a potential powder keg for domestic unrest if not handled delicately.
🗣️ “Any agreement must be mutually beneficial and sustainable,” said Pichai.
Money Master Take:
Thailand is trying to negotiate smartly under pressure, but with Trump’s recent Vietnam deal including steep anti-transshipment tariffs, there’s little room for error.
Investors should watch:
Thailand’s export-driven sectors, especially auto, food, and electronics
Currency volatility tied to potential trade shocks
Signs of rising political risk at home if talks expand into geopolitics
Final Thought:
Thailand is willing to sacrifice short-term tariff revenue for long-term access to its top buyer — but the outcome will hinge on whether Trump values flexibility over firmness. Either way, August 1 could be a turning point.
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