Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia

Highest Trade, Exports and Imports for the Month of July

Malaysia’s trade performance maintained its upward movement in July 2021 as trade increased by 13% to RM180.96 billion compared to July 2020. This was the sixth consecutive month of double-digit growth since February 2021. Exports grew by 5% to RM97.32 billion, the 11th consecutive month of year-on-year (y-o-y) expansion since September 2020. Imports rose by 24% to RM83.64 billion while trade surplus contracted 45.8% to RM13.68 billion. Trade, exports and imports registered the highest monthly value for July. Malaysia’s trade performance maintained its upward movement in July 2021 as trade increased by 13% to RM180.96 billion compared to July 2020. This was the sixth consecutive month of double-digit growth since February 2021. Exports grew by 5% to RM97.32 billion, the 11th consecutive month of year-on-year (y-o-y) expansion since September 2020. Imports rose by 24% to RM83.64 billion while trade surplus contracted 45.8% to RM13.68 billion. Trade, exports and imports registered the highest monthly value for July.

The export growth was backed by higher shipments of petroleum products, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products as well as chemicals and chemical products driven by robust external demand. Exports to major markets namely ASEAN, the European Union (EU) and Japan recorded positive growth.

On a month-on-month (m-o-m) basis, imports increased by 0.5% while trade, exports and trade surplus declined by 4.1%, 7.7% and 38.5%, respectively.

For the first seven months of 2021, trade expanded by 23.9% to RM1.237 trillion from the same period last year. Exports grew by 25.9% to RM682.9 billion and imports rose by 21.6% to RM554.17 billion. Trade surplus surged by 48.8% to RM128.74 billion.

Export Performance of Major Sectors

All Sectors Recorded Export Growth

In July 2021, exports of manufactured goods which represented 85.1% of total exports, rose by 2.3% y-o-y to RM82.85 billion. Petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products registered more than RM1 billion expansion in exports.In July 2021, exports of manufactured goods which represented 85.1% of total exports, rose by 2.3% y-o-y to RM82.85 billion. Petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products registered more than RM1 billion expansion in exports.

Exports of agriculture goods (8.7% share) recorded a double-digit growth of 29.2% to RM8.47 billion compared to July 2020 supported mainly by higher exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products.

Exports of mining goods (5.8% share) rose by 18.3% y-o-y to RM5.65 billion, the fourth straight month of double-digit growth. The increase was buoyed mainly by higher exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Major exports in July 2021:

ï‚· Electrical and electronic (E&E) products, valued at RM34.74 billion and accounted for 35.7% of total exports, decreased by 12.1% from July 2020;

ï‚· Electrical and electronic (E&E) products, valued at RM34.74 billion and accounted for 35.7% of total exports, decreased by 12.1% from July 2020;

ï‚· Petroleum products, RM10.37 billion, 10.7% of total exports, increased by 72.7%;

ï‚· Palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, RM6.7 billion, 6.9% of total exports, increased by 41.2%;

ï‚· Chemicals and chemical products, RM5.39 billion, 5.5% of total exports, increased by 40.3%; andï‚· Rubber products, RM4.54 billion, 4.7% of total exports, increased by 13.3%.

Compared to June 2021, exports of mining goods rose by 13.8% while exports of manufactured and agriculture goods were down by 9.3% and 3.8%, respectively.

Compared to June 2021, exports of mining goods rose by 13.8% while exports of manufactured and agriculture goods were down by 9.3% and 3.8%, respectively.For the period of January to July 2021, exports of manufactured goods was up by 27.3% to RM592.18 billion compared to the same period of 2020, driven by higher exports of E&E products, rubber products, petroleum products, manufactures of metal as well as chemicals and chemical products. Exports of agriculture goods increased by 32.6% to RM50.79 billion underpinned by higher exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products. Exports of mining goods rose by 2.1% to RM37.3 billion on account of higher exports of crude petroleum.

Trade Performance with Major Markets

ASEAN – Trade, Exports and Imports Remained Steady

In July 2021, trade with ASEAN grew by 10.5% y-o-y to RM45.3 billion, contributed 25% to Malaysia’s total trade. Exports expanded by 7.9% to RM27.65 billion, owing to higher exports of petroleum products. Imports from ASEAN rose by 14.7% to RM17.65 billion.In July 2021, trade with ASEAN grew by 10.5% y-o-y to RM45.3 billion, contributed 25% to Malaysia’s total trade. Exports expanded by 7.9% to RM27.65 billion, owing to higher exports of petroleum products. Imports from ASEAN rose by 14.7% to RM17.65 billion.

Breakdown of exports to ASEAN countries:

ï‚· Singapore RM14.04 billion, increased by 9%

ï‚· Singapore RM14.04 billion, increased by 9%

 Thailand RM4.41 billion, ↓1.5%

 Viet Nam RM3.53 billion, ↑12.7%

 Indonesia RM3.03 billion, ↑26.3%

 Philippines RM1.70 billion, ↓16.4%

 Brunei RM657.8 million, ↑104.8%

 Myanmar RM148.1 million, ↓39.1%

 Cambodia RM137.6 million, ↓5.9%

 Lao PDR RM7.8 million, ↑116.6%

Exports to major markets in ASEAN that recorded expansion were Singapore which increased by RM1.15 billion and Indonesia (↑RM632 million), due to higher exports of petroleum products and Viet Nam (↑RM397.8 million, E&E products).

Compared to June 2021, trade and exports grew by 0.7% and 2.3%, respectively while imports contracted by 1.6%.

In the first seven months of 2021, trade with ASEAN rose by 25.8% to RM315.22 billion compared to the same period of 2020. Exports to this region edged up by 23.2% to RM189.58 billion following higher exports of E&E products, petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products, manufactures of metal as well as machinery, equipment and parts. Imports from ASEAN expanded by 29.8% to RM125.64 billion.

China – Trade Recorded Eighth Consecutive Month of Double-Digit Growth

In July 2021, trade with China recorded a double-digit growth of 15% y-o-y to RM33.89 billion which made up 18.7% of Malaysia’s total trade. This was the eighth consecutive month of double-digit expansion. Exports to China contracted by 8.1% to RM14.34 billion due to lower exports of petroleum products. However, higher exports was seen for chemicals and chemical products as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products. Imports from China expanded by 40.9% to RM19.54 billion.In July 2021, trade with China recorded a double-digit growth of 15% y-o-y to RM33.89 billion which made up 18.7% of Malaysia’s total trade. This was the eighth consecutive month of double-digit expansion. Exports to China contracted by 8.1% to RM14.34 billion due to lower exports of petroleum products. However, higher exports was seen for chemicals and chemical products as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products. Imports from China expanded by 40.9% to RM19.54 billion.

Compared to June 2021, trade, exports and imports decreased by 10.6%, 18.3% and 4%, respectively.

Trade with China during the first seven months of 2021 increased by 29.8% to RM233.4 billion compared to the same period of 2020. Exports edged up by 21.2% to RM103.22 billion supported by higher exports of E&E products, manufactures of metal as well as LNG. Imports from China increased by 37.6% to RM130.18 billion.

The US – Exports of Rubber Products Remained Strong

Trade with the United States (US) in July 2021 increased by 1.8% y-o-y to RM17.79 billion, representing 9.8% of Malaysia’s total trade. Exports fell marginally by 1.1% to RM11.04 billion on lower exports of E&E products, wood products as well as petroleum products. The contraction however was cushioned by higher exports of rubber products which increased by 69.9%. Imports from the US expanded by 6.9% to RM6.75 billion.

On a m-o-m basis, imports grew by 6.1% while trade and exports slipped by 7.7% and 14.5%, respectively.

During the first seven months of 2021, trade with the US rose by 23.1% to RM121.01 billion compared to the same period of 2020. Exports expanded by 37.9% to RM79.11 billion led by increase in exports of rubber products, E&E products, optical and scientific equipment as well as machinery, equipment and parts. Imports from the US grew by 2.4% to RM41.91 billion.

The EU – Trade, Exports and Imports Sustained

Trade with the EU which accounted for 8.3% of Malaysia’s total trade in July 2021 increased by 19.7% y-o-y to RM14.94 billion. Exports grew by 2.4% to RM7.9 billion led by higher exports of palm oil and palm oil-based products as well as petroleum products. Imports from the EU expanded by 47.7% to RM7.05 billion.Trade with the EU which accounted for 8.3% of Malaysia’s total trade in July 2021 increased by 19.7% y-o-y to RM14.94 billion. Exports grew by 2.4% to RM7.9 billion led by higher exports of palm oil and palm oil-based products as well as petroleum products. Imports from the EU expanded by 47.7% to RM7.05 billion.

Breakdown of exports to the top 10 EU markets which accounted for 92.3% of Malaysia’s total exports to the EU were:

ï‚· Netherlands RM2.72 billion, increased by 43.5%

ï‚· Netherlands RM2.72 billion, increased by 43.5%

 Germany RM2.04 billion, ↓17.6%

 Italy RM615.4 million, ↑36.3%

 Belgium RM455.1 million, ↑15.4%

 Spain RM343.5 million, ↓12%

 France RM313.5 million, ↓33.6%

 Hungary RM241.5 million, ↑18.4%

 Czech Republic RM225.2 million, ↓13.2%

 Poland RM181.3 million, ↓10.8%

 Slovenia RM153.7 million, ↓28.1%

Exports to the EU major markets that grew were the Netherlands which increased by RM823.8 million due to higher demand for palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, Italy (↑RM163.8 million, palm oil-based manufactured products) and Belgium (↑RM60.6 million, petroleum products).

On a month-on-month basis, imports increased by 2.9% while trade and exports declined by 5.6% and 12.1%, respectively.

On a month-on-month basis, imports increased by 2.9% while trade and exports declined by 5.6% and 12.1%, respectively.During the first seven months of 2021, trade with the EU rose by 26.7% to RM101.25 billion compared to the same period of 2020. Exports increased by 27.8% to RM58.83 billion on the back of higher exports of rubber products, E&E products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products. Imports from the EU was up by 25% to RM42.41 billion.

Japan – Five Consecutive Months of Double-Digit Export Expansion

In July 2021, trade with Japan which comprised 6.4% of Malaysia’s total trade expanded by 15.7% y-o-y to RM11.53 billion. Exports was up by 11.4% to RM5.85 billion, the fifth consecutive month of double-digit y-o-y expansion since March 2021 attributed to higher exports of LNG. Imports from Japan increased by 20.5% to RM5.68 billion.

In July 2021, trade with Japan which comprised 6.4% of Malaysia’s total trade expanded by 15.7% y-o-y to RM11.53 billion. Exports was up by 11.4% to RM5.85 billion, the fifth consecutive month of double-digit y-o-y expansion since March 2021 attributed to higher exports of LNG. Imports from Japan increased by 20.5% to RM5.68 billion.Compared to June 2021, exports rose by 1.8% while trade and imports decreased by 4.5% and 10.3%, respectively.

For the first seven months of 2021, trade with Japan rose by 21.2% to RM85.46 billion compared to the same period of 2020. Exports grew by 17.2% to RM42.88 billion boosted by higher exports of E&E products, rubber products and manufactures of metal. Imports from Japan increased by 25.5% to RM42.58 billion.

Trade with FTA Partners

In July 2021, trade with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners which made up 64.5% of Malaysia’s total trade increased by 10.9% y-o-y to RM116.68 billion. Exports to FTA partners grew by 2.9% to RM64.7 billion and imports expanded by 22.7% to RM51.98 billion.

Increase in exports was recorded to Australia, by 42.3% to RM2.83 billion due to higher exports of petroleum products, Turkey (↑58% to RM874.4 million, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products), India (↑7.4% to RM3.17 billion, chemicals and chemical products), New Zealand (↑40.7% to RM326.1 million, processed food) and Chile (↑7.4% to RM58.1 million, non-metallic mineral products).

Increase in exports was recorded to Australia, by 42.3% to RM2.83 billion due to higher exports of petroleum products, Turkey (↑58% to RM874.4 million, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products), India (↑7.4% to RM3.17 billion, chemicals and chemical products), New Zealand (↑40.7% to RM326.1 million, processed food) and Chile (↑7.4% to RM58.1 million, non-metallic mineral products).Compared to June 2021, trade, exports and imports declined by 6.4%, 6% and 6.9%, respectively.

Trade with FTA partners during the first seven months of 2021 which constituted 66.6% of Malaysia’s total trade, grew by 23.6% to RM823.43 billion compared to the same period of 2020. Exports expanded by 22.4% to RM454.86 billion and imports rose by 25.2% to RM368.57 billion.

Import Performance

Total imports in July 2021 expanded by 24% y-o-y to RM83.64 billion. The three main categories of imports by end use which accounted for 73.6% of total imports were:

ï‚· Intermediate goods, valued at RM46.66 billion or 55.8% of total imports, increased by 42.7%, following higher imports of processed industrial supplies particularly iron and steel;

ï‚· Intermediate goods, valued at RM46.66 billion or 55.8% of total imports, increased by 42.7%, following higher imports of processed industrial supplies particularly iron and steel;

ï‚· Capital goods, valued at RM8.47 billion or 10.1% of total imports, grew by 25.6%, due mainly to higher imports of capital goods (except transport equipment), primarily parts for machinery and mechanical appliances; and Consumption goods, valued at RM6.46 billion or 7.7% of total imports, rose by 1.3%, as a result of higher imports of non-durables, especially rubber products and articles.

During the period of January to July 2021, imports increased by 21.6% to RM554.17 billion from the same period of 2020. Imports of intermediate goods grew by 24.4% to RM305.22 billion, capital goods (RM58.41 billion, ↑9.2%) and consumption goods (RM48.06 billion, ↑15.9%).

65% of Visitors, 57% of Exhibitors Expect Digital Event Technology to Remain Relevant After the Pandemic, says Global Event Organisers

Kuala Lumpur, 13 August 2021 – Committed to strengthening Malaysia’s position as the world’s halal hub leader, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) aims to facilitate high-value, cross-border halal trade digitally at the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in September.

“Digitally enabled trade is the way forward and key in rebuilding Malaysia’s economic resilience. In keeping up with the current trend and due to the current pandemic situation, MIHAS this year will spearhead the digitalisation agenda for the Halal industry in bringing patrons, investors and trade partners under one virtual platform. Since its inception in 2004, the event has progressively profiled as the marquee halal sourcing platform, attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries participated in the last edition of MIHAS in 2019. We look forward to fortifying Malaysia’s positon as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year amid the challenging environment,” said MATRADE CEO, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz.

MIHAS 2021 has kicked off as scheduled with its weekly preview sessions organised by MATRADE, commencing every Wednesday from 11th August to 1st September. In partnership with MIHAS 2021 collaborative partners, namely Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB), Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) and CIMB Bank Berhad (CIMB), the sessions aim to provide audiences with brief insights on the relevancy of Halal to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Exports, Technology Adoption and Sustainability.

Building on the momentum, MIHAS 2021 virtual Knowledge Hub will continue from 10th to 12th September 2021, beginning with sessions for Malaysian exporters to get up-close with MATRADE Trade Commissioners from markets such as South Asia, MENA, West Africa, Central Asia and Europe for the opportunity to explore potential Halal export opportunities, with MIHAS 2021 as a catalyst.

In addition to that, line-up of thought-provoking dialogues on Halal related topics of interest are well outlined, covering Islamic financing, innovation and business sustainability, digital technologies and the role of women entrepreneurs in Halal economy, among others. Prominent policy makers, strategic thinkers, renowned academicians as well as industry leaders and influencers are eager to offer their perspectives and thoughts, which will be streamed live over three days.

MIHAS aims to virtually host a bevy of Halal exhibitors, and over 15,000 international buyers and trade visitors across the Halal ecosystem, making it the world’s largest Halal event. The showcase has attracted industry giants, including MIHAS Diamond sponsor CIMB Islamic Malaysia, and collaborative partner, Standard Chartered Saadiq, which will be leading conversations about enabling the Islamic economy and sustainable supply chains respectively.

"CIMB Islamic is pleased to be partnering with MIHAS in supporting the growth of halal trade in the local, regional and global space by creating business opportunities through its networks, which include trade corridors and its access to the Trade Club Alliance. Matching halal businesses from across Malaysia, ASEAN and Europe, CIMB Islamic’s bespoke financing programmes and end-to-end solutions promote growth for suppliers, distributors and retailers throughout the halal trade value chain. This value proposition is further strengthened by our continuous commitment to digitalisation as a powerful enabler for business," said CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad CEO, Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff.

With major events pushed to pivot digitally in light of movement restrictions, Global event organisers, Reed Exhibitions found 65% of visitors, 57% of exhibitors surveyed expect digital event technology will remain relevant even after the pandemic. MIHAS has quickly adapted to these changes, going fully digital for the first time.

This year’s edition of MIHAS will be held from 9 September until 31 December 2021. Fitted with digital capabilities, MIHAS has neutralised disruptions from the pandemic by enabling exhibitors, visitors and participants with the freedom to network with AI assisted business matching sessions, connect across time zones with live chats available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, view showcases of products and services, and participate in webinars from the safety and comfort of their home countries. Exhibiting brands will also benefit from real-time data access crucial for analysis and brand development to remain competitive in today’s highly digitalised environment.

“Standard Chartered Saadiq is very excited to be part of MIHAS 2021, a world-class platform for halal businesses to collaborate and grow the halal economy. As an international Islamic bank with a network spanning Asia, Africa and the Middle East, we are in a prime position to help businesses thrive within the global halal ecosystem with a range of Shariah-compliant trade financing solutions. Through our collaboration with MATRADE, we are poised to be a key driver in facilitating business matching opportunities for local businesses in their global expansion. This year, we also will be hosting a conference at MIHAS to offer insights on building resilient and sustainable supply chains,” said Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad CEO, Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Hamid.

Themed, Empowering Halal, Tomorrow, Together, MIHAS 2021 will focus on showcasing 12 key pillars. These include education, pharmaceuticals, services and enablers, franchise, modest fashion, Islamic finance, cosmetics and personal care, media and recreation, Muslim friendly travel, e-commerce and food technology.

MATRADE invites brands to register for the upcoming knowledge sharing sessions in August and learn more about accessing export markets with MIHAS 2021 by visiting www.mihas.com.my

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021 KUALA LUMPUR: MATRADE is committed to intensify collaboration with Malaysian Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) as they are among the prime movers to the nation export growth.

During the recent engagement session with Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC), both MATRADE and MCMTC agreed to undertake new initiative to scale up exports as well as to facilitate Malaysian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to be part of the latter’s global supply chain network.

Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said, “Through the Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP), MATRADE will continue its agenda, not only to create more global champions but also to support SMEs’ immersion into international market”.

This augurs well with the objective set by the new Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, on strengthening the private sector’s role as a significant driver of the nation’s economic growth.

“MCMTC will continue to support MATRADE in growing MTCs and towards the recovery of the Malaysian economy,” said Callum Chen, President of MCMTC who is also the CEO of LH Plus Sdn Bhd.

MCMTC is a collaborative alliance between Mid-Tier Companies who have successfully graduated from MTCDP with the main objective of working synergistically for reaping bigger business opportunities and becoming global champions. MCMTC, which was formed in 2017, has been the prominent voice of MTCs in Malaysia and has helped the Government with new ideas and also undertaken corporate social responsibility activities during this pandemic.

MATRADE has successfully groomed 275 MTCs through MTCDP since the programme started in 2014. It is one of the Government’s high impact initiatives in the Malaysia’s Development Plan, aimed to accelerate the export growth of Mid-Tier Companies to be the regional and global champions.

MTCDP has become the springboard for Malaysian homegrown names to stamp their mark as the globally recognised brands in every corner of the world. In 2020, 142 companies from MTCDP reported exports’ revenue of RM8.21 billion, an increase of 1.7% compared with the year before.

In line with the 12^th Malaysia Plan, MATRADE will strive to create more export champions, supporting the ongoing efforts by the Government in regenerating Malaysian economy, driving the growth of new sectors while striking the balance to ensure the socio-economic inclusiveness and sustainability.

MATRADE is actively recruiting new participants for the programme. The MTCDP targets export-oriented MTCs with annual revenues between RM50 million to RM500 million for manufacturing companies and RM20 million to RM500 million for services companies. Interested companies are encouraged to contact Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya. for more details.

MONDAY, AUGUST 9^TH, 2021, KUALA LUMPUR:  500 Malaysian Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) participated in a MATRADE - Google Malaysia jointly organised workshop, Mahir Digital Bersama Google today. This workshop held virtually on YouTube, introduced Google’s Market Finder module as a digital market insights tool to find new export business opportunities, to strengthen Malaysian SMEs export fundamentals as well as to broaden exports knowledge, thus enabling Malaysian SMEs to reach their full exports potential. 

“Great insights and timely sharing, awesome!”, “Thank you, it was a fun session” and “Thank you very useful,” were among the comments from the participants. 

The purpose of this partnership is to ensure Malaysian exporters, particularly SMEs, remain competitive to brace through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, apart from the fast- emerging new norms in digitalisation of international business.

“MATRADE’s strategic partnership with Google Malaysia is an important milestone in efforts to further enhance SMEs capabilities in leveraging on digital tools to accelerate their exports. This would also assist SMEs to reduce costs of conducting export business. MATRADE looks forward to reigniting exports by Malaysian SMEs through this collaboration,” said Encik Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is the national trade promotion agency, under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), continues to promote Malaysian SMEs businesses for exports.

SMEs are urged to register with MATRADE as members, to enable them to be more involved in MATRADE’s export promotion programmes.  The membership is complementary      and registration can be done via www.matrade.gov.my.