KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
The US Commerce Department has launched new national security investigations into imports of medical equipment, robotics, and industrial machinery, a move that could pave the way for higher tariffs across critical sectors.
Scope of the Section 232 Investigations
The probes, opened on Sept 2 but only disclosed Wednesday, fall under the “Section 232” authority, which allows tariffs if imports are deemed a national security risk.
Covered items include:
Medical supplies: Face masks, N95 respirators, gloves, gowns, IV bags, syringes, infusion pumps, wheelchairs, crutches, hospital beds.
Medical devices: Pacemakers, insulin pumps, coronary stents, heart valves, hearing aids, prosthetics, blood glucose monitors, CT and MRI scanners.
Robotics & machinery: Programmable mechanical systems, industrial stamping and pressing machines, welding and cutting tools, autoclaves, ovens, and laser/water-cutting equipment.
Probes Aim to Gauge Supply Chain Reliance
The Commerce Department is asking companies to outline:
Projected demand for robotics, industrial machinery, and medical products.
The extent to which domestic production can meet demand.
The role of foreign suppliers, particularly China, in filling US needs.
The impact of foreign subsidies and trade practices on US industry competitiveness.
Wider Trade and Security Agenda
These investigations add to a growing list of Section 232 probes covering wind turbines, airplanes, semiconductors, heavy trucks, polysilicon, copper, timber, lumber, and critical minerals. Separate reviews are also underway for pharmaceuticals and drones.
Potential Implications
If tariffs follow, US healthcare providers, manufacturers, and tech firms could face higher costs for imported equipment, while policymakers weigh the benefits of reshoring supply chains against risks of supply shortages and price spikes.
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