MALAYSIA’s total trade climbed 2.2 per cent year-on-year to RM249.89 billion in March 2025, marking the 15th consecutive month of growth since January 2024, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said in a statement on Thursday.
The growth was driven by a robust 6.8 per cent rise in exports to RM137.31 billion—an all-time high for the month of March—while imports contracted by 2.8 per cent to RM112.59 billion.
“Trade surplus grew by 94.4 per cent from March last year to reach RM24.72 billion, the highest value recorded since June 2023. This marked the 59th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020,” MITI said.
For the first quarter of 2025, overall trade increased 3.6 per cent year-on-year to RM715.73 billion. Exports expanded by 4.4 per cent to RM378.36 billion, while imports rose by 2.8 per cent to RM337.37 billion.
The resulting trade surplus for the quarter came in at RM41 billion, a 20.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
MITI highlighted the performance amid ongoing volatility in global trade, particularly concerns stemming from US-imposed tariffs.
“Despite the US tariff-induced uncertainties in the global trading environment, Bank Negara Malaysia has maintained its projected gross domestic product growth of between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent in 2025 (2024: 5.1 per cent). For now, exports in 2025 are anticipated to grow by 5.2 per cent (2024: up 5.7 per cent),” it added.
The surge in exports was largely fuelled by the strong performance of manufactured goods, especially electrical and electronic (E&E) products, which recorded their highest monthly value on record with a year-on-year increase exceeding RM12 billion.
Agricultural products, particularly palm oil and palm oil-based items, also contributed to the export gains.
“In terms of markets, exports to major trading partners namely ASEAN, the United States (US), the European Union and Taiwan posted growth, with exports to the US soaring to a new record high,” the ministry stated.
“Similarly, higher exports were seen to free trade agreement partners such as Hong Kong SAR, Türkiye, Canada and Chile,” it added.
Looking ahead, MITI advised caution given potential headwinds in global demand, which could affect investment and domestic consumption.
“As a small, open trading nation, Malaysia is inevitably exposed to heightened external uncertainties in the global trading landscape. Considering this, MITI and its key export-focused agency, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), will continue to closely monitor global trends to safeguard the nation’s economic interests and sustain trade growth,” it said. – April 18, 2025
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