Malaysia Increases Tariffs on Imported EVs to Protect National Car Brands
Malaysia is set to increase tariffs on imported electric vehicles (EVs) starting July 1, 2026, to protect its national car brands, Proton and Perodua. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry announced that the new policy will impose a minimum CIF value of RM200,000 on imported EVs, effectively raising the retail price to around RM300,000. This move aims to shield local automakers from competition in the lower-priced EV segment. The policy also includes a performance threshold requiring imported EVs to produce at least 180 kW. While the tariffs are intended to support domestic manufacturers, they may slow the adoption of mass-market EVs. 
