Double-digit gains across trade, exports, and imports highlight resilient economic momentum
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 May 2025 – Malaysia’s trade performance continued its robust upward trend in April 2025, charting its 16th consecutive month of year-on-year (y-o-y) growth since January 2024. Total trade surged by 18.2% y-o-y to RM261.94 billion, the highest monthly value recorded since August 2022.
The month also marked Malaysia’s 60th straight month of trade surplus, reaching RM5.19 billion.
- Exports rose 16.4% to RM133.56 billion
- Imports increased 20% to RM128.37 billion
The stellar export performance was driven by manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic (E&E) products, which saw a nearly RM16 billion increase. Agricultural goods, including palm oil and palm oil-based products, also made strong contributions to export growth.
Key Export Destinations and Markets
Significant export growth was recorded to major trading partners, including:
- ASEAN
- China
- United States (US)
- European Union (EU)
- Taiwan (achieving a new record high)
Exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners also rebounded strongly. Countries like Mexico, India, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) registered notable growth, largely due to rising demand for Malaysian E&E products.
Q1 2025 Trade Performance and Economic Impact
For the period of January to April 2025:
- Total trade grew 7.2% y-o-y to RM977.61 billion
- Exports increased 7.3% to RM511.92 billion
- Imports climbed 7.0% to RM465.69 billion
- Trade surplus rose 10.4% to RM46.23 billion
Net exports were a significant contributor to Malaysia’s 4.4% GDP growth in Q1 2025, as announced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
Malaysia’s enhanced global trade presence was also reflected in the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) latest rankings, which saw the country rise to 24th position globally in 2024, up from 26th in 2023.
Strategic Efforts to Sustain Growth
In recognition of evolving global trade dynamics, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and its export promotion agency MATRADE are intensifying initiatives to expand and diversify Malaysia’s export footprint. Key strategies include:
- Participation in international trade fairs
- Export acceleration missions
- Business matching programmes
- Expansion of the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform
These initiatives aim to bolster the global competitiveness of Malaysian exporters, particularly SMEs and mid-tier companies (MTCs), enabling them to thrive in international markets.
For more information on export assistance and trade promotion, visit:
🔗 www.matrade.gov.my
