KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed marginally lower on Friday, as cautious sentiment persisted, with investors remaining on the sidelines amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia, said an analyst. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 2.80 points, or 0.16 per cent, to 1,695.50 from Thursday’s close of 1,698.30. The benchmark index opened 5.82 points higher at 1,704.12, and moved between 1,693.65 and 1,708.12 throughout the day. However, market breadth remained positive, with gainers outnumbering losers 634 to 415, while 521 counters were unchanged, 1,077 untraded and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 3.38 billion units worth RM2.95 billion from yesterday’s 3.20 billion units worth RM3.50 billion.
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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