CPTPP to help Malaysian chemical players thrive in markets with high current tariffs

CPTPP to help Malaysian chemical players thrive in markets with high current tariffs

02 Aug 2022

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is set to open access and help boost exports for Malaysian chemical players to Canada, Mexico and Peru via better price competitiveness, following substantial elimination of tariffs.

At present, Canada imposes a tariff of up to 270%, Mexico 30% and Peru 9%, said the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM) in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 2).

It said the high tariffs affect key products exported to CPTPP countries, including organic and inorganic chemicals.

Hence, it call on the government to expeditiously ratify the CPTPP, to enable the Malaysian chemical industry to reap the benefits offered under the agreement.

‘’Given Malaysia’s small domestic market, an investment strategy is not feasible without favourable access to other export markets.

‘’CPTPP countries accounts for almost 22% (RM11 billion) of Malaysia’s chemical exports in 2019. Major export destinations were Singapore, Japan and Vietnam,’’ said the association.

With CPTPP, these tariffs will be fully eliminated by the year 2034, across all CPTPP countries.

CICM said CPTPP can also increase investment attractiveness of Malaysia and spur development of local capabilities, especially in specialty chemicals by establishing high standards of protection for investors and further strengthening Malaysia’s competitive advantage.

‘’Foreign investments into specialty chemicals will also provide domestic producers with knowledge transfer opportunities.

‘’It will spur development of local capabilities through technical assistance and capacity building programme by CPTPP partners. This will potentially reduce Malaysia’s trade deficit in the chemical industry,’’ CICM noted.

Source: Bernama