MALAYSIA's trade performance remained strong in February 2025, posting a year-on-year (y-o-y) growth of 5.9%, with total trade reaching RM223.89 billion, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
Exports rose by 6.2% to RM118.26 billion, while imports increased by 5.5% to RM105.64 billion, marking the 14th consecutive month of trade expansion and the fifth month of positive export growth.
MITI also reported that the trade surplus rebounded to RM12.62 billion, continuing a streak of surpluses that has now lasted for 58 months since May 2020. In fact, February 2025 saw the highest-ever monthly trade, export, and import values recorded.
"Meanwhile, trade, exports, and imports also delivered the highest monthly value in history for February," MITI stated in its Malaysia External Trade Statistics report today.
The increase in exports was largely driven by a surge in demand for manufactured goods, which made up 85.7% of total exports and grew by 8.8% y-o-y to RM101.3 billion. A significant portion of this growth was attributed to the strong performance of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, which saw an increase of over RM7 billion in export value.
Agricultural products, particularly palm oil and palm oil-based goods, also contributed to the rise in exports.
Geographically, Malaysia's exports saw growth in several key markets, including ASEAN, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan.
This was largely driven by increased demand for E&E products, especially semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. The expansion in semiconductor exports aligns with the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics' forecast of an 11.2% growth in global semiconductor sales in 2025.
Additionally, exports to countries within free trade agreements, such as Mexico and Canada, saw an increase, again driven by the continued demand for E&E products.
Looking at the first two months of 2025, MITI reported that Malaysia’s trade continued its positive trajectory, rising 4.4% to RM465.86 billion compared to the same period the previous year. Exports grew by 3.1% to RM241.07 billion, while imports increased by 5.9% to RM224.79 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM16.28 billion.
“Trade, exports, and imports registered the highest value ever for the period,” MITI noted.
The World Trade Organization has forecast global trade volume to grow by 3.0% in 2025, while the International Monetary Fund anticipates a slightly higher increase of 3.2%. However, the ministry warned that ongoing geopolitical developments could temper the pace of growth.
“To sustain growth in international trade, MITI and its trade promotion agency, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), remain committed to expanding exports to existing markets and exploring new ones,” MITI added. – March 20, 2025
