The imposition of new tariffs by global trading partners, particularly the United States, has placed unprecedented pressure on Malaysia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As the backbone of the national economy, contributing nearly 40% to Malaysia’s GDP and employing over 7 million workers, SMEs are particularly vulnerable to rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and reduced competitiveness. However, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain offer transformative solutions that can help Malaysian SMEs navigate these tariff-induced challenges and sustain their growth in an increasingly volatile global market.

Tariffs often translate into higher production costs, limited access to raw materials, and reduced profit margins — all of which directly affect SMEs. Export-driven industries such as electronics, rubber products, machinery, and furniture have been hit the hardest. Moreover, unlike large corporations, SMEs have limited resources to absorb these........

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