Malaysia's external trade surpasses RM2tril in 2021


KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s external trade registered another historic performance in 2021, surpassing RM2 trillion for the first time, as well as recording the fastest growth since 1994.

Senior Minister cum International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said Malaysia’s exports hit RM1.24 trillion, achieving 99 per cent of the 12th Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 (12MP) export projection for 2025 -- four years ahead of the target.

"Trade surplus was posted for 24 consecutive years since 1998. These remarkable achievements were driven by robust external demand and higher commodity prices,” he said in a statement today.

Azmin said exports to major trading partners, namely ASEAN, China, the United States, and the European Union recorded new high with strong double-digit expansion, while exports to Japan recovered with double-digit growth after declining for three consecutive years.

"Significant export expansion was also registered to emerging markets such as Costa Rica, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, and Iraq. Exports to free-trade agreement (FTA) partners showed an upward trajectory with a new high value after two consecutive years of contraction.

"Exports of the manufactured, agriculture and mining sectors registered double-digit expansion with manufactured goods reaching RM1 trillion mark for the first time,” he said.

Mohamed Azmin said the resilient growth was boosted by strong exports of electrical and electronics (E&E) products, petroleum products, manufactures of metal, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, rubber products, and chemicals and chemical products, each posted a record high value with double-digit expansion.

"Malaysia’s solid trade performance was in tandem with countries in the region, notably Indonesia, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore which are also recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis,” he said.

Moving ahead, he said Malaysia’s trade growth is anticipated to sustain its positive momentum, underpinned by continuous demand for E&E and commodity-based products, while global economic uncertainties due to emergence of new COVID-19 variants and disruptions in supply chain may impact trade performance. - Bernama

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Mohamed Azmin Ali , trade , export , 12MP , COVID-19

Next In Business News

United Asiapac Energy launches IPO at 35c/share
Malaysia now 7.1% below World Bank's high-income threshold - Akmal Nasrullah
Dollar hits one-month high on lingering chances of Fed hike
Malaysia's PPI rises 9.2% in June, highest in 2026 - DOSM
Bursa Malaysia stays lower at midday with regional tech sell-off
HSS Engineers' associate appointed design consultant for Northern Perak water supply scheme
Nestle Malaysia delivers improved 2Q net profit of RM155.02mil, 80c div/share
Menara Merdeka 118 officially renamed Menara Merdeka Maybank
Malaysia needs fresh reform momentum to strengthen fiscal sustainability, boost productivity - OECD
Ringgit expected to trade within 3.90-4.20 against US$ through 2H26

Others Also Read