Malaysia hits record-high trade performance in January 2025

MALAYSIA’S trade performance in January 2025 marked the highest-ever monthly value for January, rising 3.1% year-on-year to RM241.95 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

This was the 13th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, showcasing a positive trajectory for the nation’s external trade sector.

Exports increased 0.3% to RM122.79 billion, the fourth consecutive month of growth, driven by strong demand in key sectors.

Imports grew 6.2% to RM119.16 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM3.63 billion, the 57th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.

The growth in exports was largely fuelled by the electrical and electronic (E&E) sector, which saw an increase of almost RM7 billion.

Other notable contributors were palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products and machinery, equipment, and parts.

Exports to the United States and Taiwan recorded significant double-digit growth, driven by rising demand for semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (ICs).

The United States absorbed 11.8% of Malaysia’s total trade, expanding by 28.8% year-on-year to RM28.47 billion.

Exports to the US surged 28.1% to RM17.25 billion, marking the 13th consecutive month of year-on-year expansion.

Trade with Taiwan reached RM20.45 billion, up 68.6% year-on-year, marking the 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth.

Meanwhile, trade with China, which comprised 17.1% of Malaysia’s total trade, rose 4.7% year-on-year to RM41.43 billion.

However, exports to China fell 4% to RM13.32 billion, due to weaker demand for LNG, petroleum products, and metal scrap.

In contrast, exports of E&E products and palm oil-based manufactured products to China posted strong expansion.

Within ASEAN, which accounted for 25.7% of Malaysia’s total trade, exports dipped 1.5% to RM36.78 billion.

This was due to weaker demand for petroleum products, chemicals, and LNG, although E&E exports remained robust.

“Building on this strong performance, we are dedicated to accelerating export growth by strengthening ties with key trade partners and tapping into new markets,” MITI said in a statement today.

“This positive trajectory signals a robust economic outlook for the year ahead,” the ministry added. - February 20, 2025

MITI, trade performance, exports, imports, growth