KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 2 -- A new tariff imposed by the United States on most Malaysian exports could soon pinch Malaysian consumers, not just exporters, as goods caught in global supply chains boomerang back home at inflated prices.

From rubber gloves to furniture, palm oil and solar panels, Malaysian-made products that are shipped to the US and later re-exported under global brands, could return with nearly triple the original price tag, economists warn.

How does it work anyway?

A rubber glove made in Klang costs RM1 at the factory. Once it enters the US, it's hit with the 19 per cent tariff, bumping the landed price to RM1.19.

By the time it goes through importers, distributors and retailers, it could retail for RM2.49 in the US.

But ...