Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s trade performance reached a significant milestone as the country recorded its highest ever trade value of RM1.73 trillion for the January to July 2025 period, marking a 4.7 percent increase compared to RM1.65 trillion in the same timeframe the previous year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah revealed that exports accounted for RM900.47 billion and imports stood at RM830.16 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM70.31 billion. This achievement aligns with the nation’s continued trade growth trajectory, with 2024 witnessing a trade volume peak of RM2.879 trillion, a 9.2 percent rise from 2023. The country’s exports surpassed RM1 trillion for the fourth consecutive year, reaching RM1.508 trillion, and exceeding 87.2 percent of the 12th Malaysia Plan export target.
Further illustrating Malaysia’s robust trade health, imports increased by 13.2 percent to RM1.37 trillion in 2024, leading to a trade surplus of RM136.88 billion for the 27th consecutive year since 1998. These figures were announced during the Negeri Sembilan Export Day opening ceremony by Mohammad Medan, alongside Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and MATRADE deputy chief executive officer Mansor Shah Wahid.
Highlighting regional performance, Negeri Sembilan’s trade volume in 2024 rose to RM19.27 billion from the previous year, with exports valued at RM1.03 billion. From January to July 2025, the state reported an export value of RM880 million, marking a 10.2 percent increase compared to the same period in the prior year.
MATRADE’s efforts to bolster Malaysia’s export markets include operating 48 trade offices globally, organizing exporter development programs, and providing export facilitation funds such as the Market Development Grant (MDG), Services Export Fund (SEF), and eTrade. These initiatives have benefitted 200 Negeri Sembilan companies with RM1.5 million in grants from 2024 to July 2025, generating sales of RM672.18 million.
Between 2024 and July 2025, MATRADE organized 95 export promotion programs and facilitated 1,835 business matches, resulting in RM191.64 million in sales from 72 Negeri Sembilan exporters. As of July 31, 13,314 Malaysian companies were registered with MATRADE, including 315 from Negeri Sembilan.
MATRADE is also set to host several international exhibitions, including the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from September 17 to 20 at MITEC Kuala Lumpur. Last year, 20 Negeri Sembilan companies participated in MIHAS, achieving RM4.29 million in export sales. Additionally, the MIHAS 2024 International Sourcing Programme generated potential export sales of RM44.7 million. MATRADE expanded MIHAS internationally, debuting in Dubai and the UAE in 2024, and is organizing the event in Shanghai, China, from November 5 to 10, targeting 200 Malaysian companies.
Menteri Besar Aminuddin emphasized the need for Malaysia to diversify its trade partnerships beyond a single country, particularly exploring opportunities in Africa and South America, to enhance local entrepreneurs’ global presence. He expressed hope for an increase in the number of exporters, especially from Negeri Sembilan, leveraging MATRADE’s platform to contribute to the nation’s exports.
MATRADE deputy chief executive officer Mansor highlighted the strategic importance of programs like today’s, which aim to cultivate more exporting entrepreneurs and enhance awareness and potential in the export market for micro, small, and medium enterprises.