MALAYSIA’S trade performance maintained its upward momentum in April 2025, expanding by 18.2 per cent year-on-year to RM261.94 billion, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
This marks the 16th consecutive month of year-on-year growth since January 2024, and the highest monthly trade value recorded since August 2022.
Both exports and imports registered robust double-digit growth for the month, MITI said in a statement today.
“Exports expanded by 16.4 per cent to RM133.56 billion, while imports rose by 20 per cent to RM128.37 billion.
“The trade surplus recorded its 60th consecutive month since May 2020, amounting to RM5.19 billion,” the ministry noted.
The increase in exports was primarily driven by strong global demand for manufactured goods, especially electrical and electronic (E\&E) products, which saw an increase of nearly RM16 billion.
Agricultural products, particularly palm oil and palm-based derivatives, also contributed significantly to overall export growth.
Malaysia recorded strong export growth to key trading partners including ASEAN, China, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan — with several reaching new highs.
Exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners also rebounded notably, MITI said.
Markets such as Mexico, India, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) saw increased exports, largely supported by higher shipments of E\&E goods.
For the cumulative period of January to April 2025, total trade rose by 7.2 per cent year-on-year to RM977.61 billion. Exports climbed 7.3 per cent to RM511.92 billion, while imports grew by seven per cent to RM465.69 billion.
The trade surplus for the period grew by 10.4 per cent to RM46.23 billion.
In addition, Malaysia’s standing in global trade rankings improved, with the latest World Trade Organization (WTO) report placing the country at 24th position in 2024, up from 26th in 2023. - May 20, 2025
