KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade continued its positive momentum, rising by 2.2 per cent to RM249.89 billion in March 2025, marking the 15th consecutive month of year-on-year (y-o-y) growth since January 2024, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
In a statement, MITI said the performance was underpinned by a 6.8 per cent increase in exports to RM137.31 billion, also a record high for March, while imports declined 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," it said.
For the first quarter (1Q) of 2025, Malaysia’s trade grew by 3.6 per cent y-o-y to RM715.73 billion.
Exports expanded by 4.4 per cent to RM378.36 billion, while imports rose 2.8 per cent to RM337.37 billion.
Meanwhile, the trade surplus recorded a double-digit expansion of 20.1 per cent to RM41 billion in 1Q 2025.
"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.
According to MITI, the rise in exports was primarily supported by higher demand for manufactured goods, notably electrical and electronic products, which recorded their highest monthly value to date with an expansion of more than RM12 billion y-o-y.
In addition, agricultural goods particularly palm oil and palm oil-based products also contributed to the increase in exports.
"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.
"Similarly, higher exports were seen to free trade agreement partners such as Hong Kong SAR, Türkiye, Canada and Chile," said the ministry.
Looking ahead, MITI noted the need for caution given uncertainties in global demand, which may temper growth in investments 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," said the ministry. - Bernama
