Malaysia's central bank has expressed concerns about factors that could impact its monetary policy decisions, such as trade disputes and geopolitical tensions affecting exports. Despite anticipating a challenging external environment in 2025, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour is optimistic about the government's growth forecast of 4.5% to 5.5%, relying on domestic growth sources and diverse export structures. The country aims to navigate global trade conflicts and potential repercussions from increased US tariffs on China, its largest trading partner, as it faces uncertainties and risks due to protectionist measures. The bank foresees risks in the latter part of 2025, including supply chain issues and weaker external demand that could strain export prospects. The nation is particularly concerned about the potential impact of US tariffs on its semiconductor exports, as it is a significant player in this market and heavily reliant on the US for chip shipments.