Written by Johnson Mathambo
Malaysian small and medium -sized companies (SMES), which represent more than 97 % of companies and contribute 38 % to national GDP, face new challenges. The last 24 % blanket tariffs on Malaysian imports, announced by US President Donald Trump, sent shock waves through the export sectors.
Although Trump has been stopped since then, most huge duties have stopped, which reduces some immediate concerns, the uncertainty remains.
It is a blatant reminder of the extent of exposure to small companies to sudden political transformations. Definitions not only affect the cost structure, but also pose a threat to the export of competitiveness.
But there is a way to move forward as is the case with appropriate tools and support, not only small and medium -sized companies can alleviate the effect, but can also affect their operations in the future.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technologies, along with government support, can provide innovative solutions to help small and medium companies navigate these pressures and protect their position in global markets.
Artificial intelligence provides valuable tools for small and medium -sized companies to respond to customs tariff pressure, especially when it comes to improving export strategies. By analyzing global trade trends and pricing trends, AI can help companies to identify alternative export markets where the definitions are lower or as their products may face less competition. This enables small and medium -sized companies to adapt quickly and reduce dependence on high -definition markets, which improves export profitability.
Amnesty International can enhance the prediction of demand and stock management, ensuring the willingness of small and medium -sized companies to meet demand in international markets with the management of costs on the new definitions. By predicting market trends and controlling stock levels accordingly, small and medium companies can avoid overcoming products that may become less competitive due to definitions, thus maintaining profitability in export markets.
AI’s dynamic pricing capabilities allow companies to control their prices in response to changing the conditions of global tariff, ensuring that they remain attractive to foreign buyers.
Blockchain Tech, at the same time, is to change another group game. For small and medium -sized companies looking to maintain or expand export activities in the face of emerging definitions, the digital professor’s book provides transparent and safe documents for their exports, including certificates of origin and shipping records. This is especially important for small and medium -sized companies that seek to prove their eligibility to preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements such as Asian Free Trade Zone or the comprehensive regional economic partnership, allowing them to reduce the costs of customs tariffs and access to new international markets.
Blockchain smart contracts increase export operations by automating major operations such as payment conditions, shipping tracking, and delivery tables. Self -implementation contracts reduce this dependence on brokers and reduce the costs of transactions, which can be of special value as small and medium -sized companies face increasing expenses due to definitions. In addition, the solutions to the financing of decentralized trade can be given small and medium -sized companies to the capital they need to trade across the border.
Technology cannot do everything. Agencies like Sme Corp, Matrade and Mida offer vital support to help small and medium companies adapt to customs tariff changes and expand their exports. These agencies provide export development programs, commercial advisory services and financial grants designed to help small and medium companies explore new international markets and enhance their export capabilities.
Small and medium -sized companies should deal with these resources to reduce their dependence on high -conflict markets and enhance their presence in more suitable areas.
With the implementation of the recent customs tariffs, Malaysian small and medium -sized companies face a decisive challenge to their competitiveness for export. However, the adoption of artificial intelligence and Blockchain provides strong tools to help small and medium -sized companies improve operations, enhance market strategies, and improve profitability in a global commercial environment. When government support is associated, these technologies provide a comprehensive strategy for small and medium -sized companies to move in customs tariff pressure and cancel new opportunities in the global market.
Trump’s tariff stop may lead to relief in the short term, but the largest message is clear. Trade instability is the new natural. Malaysian small and medium companies need more than flexibility. They need a strategy.
The author is a great teacher for accounting at the Faculty of Paths and Imams at the University of Monash Malaysia
