Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s trade performance continued its upward trend in April 2025, with an 18.2% year-on-year increase, reaching RM261.94 billion, as reported by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI). This marks the 16th consecutive month of year-on-year trade growth since January 2024 and represents the highest monthly trade value since August 2022.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MITI highlighted that both exports and imports experienced substantial double-digit growth during the month. Exports rose by 16.4% to RM133.56 billion, while imports increased by 20% to RM128.37 billion. A trade surplus, recorded for the 60th consecutive month since May 2020, amounted to RM5.19 billion.

MITI attributed the growth in exports to a strong demand for manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic (E and E) products, which increased by nearly RM16 billion. Additionally, agricultural goods, notably palm oil and palm oil-based products, significantly contributed to the export expansion. The rise in exports was observed in key markets such as ASEAN, China, the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan, reaching new record levels. Exports to Free Trade Agreement partners also showed a robust recovery.

MITI identified Mexico, India, and South Korea as markets with increased exports, driven by higher shipments of E and E products. For the first four months of 2025, Malaysia’s total trade rose by 7.2% year-on-year to RM977.61 billion, with exports growing by 7.3% to RM511.92 billion and imports increasing by 7% to RM465.69 billion. The trade surplus registered a double-digit growth of 10.4%, reaching RM46.23 billion.

Additionally, the World Trade Organisation reported an improvement in Malaysia’s global trade ranking, advancing to the 24th position in 2024 from 26th in 2023.