PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Plantation Bhd (SPB) expects the global economic outlook to remain uncertain following reciprocal tariffs announced by the US in April 2025.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the plantation group said geopolitical tensions, ongoing supply chain disruptions and the extent of the economic impact of the rising trade tensions continue to be major concerns moving forward.

For the first quarter ended March 1, 2025 (1Q25), SPB’s net profit rose to RM22.63mil from RM19.07mil in the previous corresponding quarter, mainly due to the effect of higher realised average selling price of crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel (PK) despite lower sales volume of CPO and PK during the current interim quarter.

Revenue in 1Q25 grew to RM135.51mil from RM127.32mil a year earlier.

“In response to current market challenges and the uncertainties surrounding the economic and palm oil industry outlook, the group remains committed to a strategic approach focused on enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

“At the same time, the group intensifies efforts in cost rationalisation and continues to adopt prudent cash flow management to reinforce financial resilience,” it said.