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Market Chatter: Malaysia's Energy Supply Stable, But Trade Faces Pressure as Shipping Costs Surge

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Malaysia's energy reserves will last through the end of July despite disruptions tied to the Iran conflict, Reuters reported Monday, citing Economy Minister Akmal Nasir.

However, Akmal warned that external pressures are mounting on trade flows, with freight costs to the Middle East jumping 50% to 80% and war-related insurance premiums also edging higher, according to the report.

These cost pressures are now filtering into key export sectors, with Malaysia's commodities industry already under pressure as output value fell 14.7% in the first quarter amid weaker shipments of palm oil, rubber, cocoa and timber, Akmal reportedly said during a regular briefing.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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