[PRESS RELEASE] - Consumer Confidence and Impact on U.S. Reputation

The findings from the study reveal:

• US’s reputation has dropped in the world’s eyes
• For the first time, more people say China has a positive influence than the US
• Despite these trends, Malaysians remains optimistic about the state of economy

Evelyn Tan, Interim Country Director, Ipsos Malaysia mentions:  

"Our latest survey in April 2025 reveals a decline in the United States' global reputation, with only 46% across 29 countries believing it will have a positive influence. Countries like Canada, South Korea, and Japan has shown a sharp decline in their views on the US influence on world affairs due to looming United States tariffs issue and the escalating trade war.

For the first time, China is viewed more positively on the world stage than the USA, with 49% favorability compared to 46% for the U.S. In Malaysia, perceptions of the U.S. have weakened slightly, yet remain less negative than in countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. Despite these trends, Malaysians are optimistic about their economy's present and future.

While there are undoubtedly growing concerns about the looming tariffs, many Malaysians remain cautiously optimistic. However, this sentiment may be short-lived, as the geopolitical landscape continues to shift rapidly.

As such, the current optimism may be likened to the 'calm before the storm', with the full effects of these tariffs and broader geopolitical shifts yet to be fully realised or understood by the Malaysian public."