Annual Report 2019

36 // MATRADE Annual Report 2019 Malaysia’s total trade with Africa increased by 4.8% to RM32.94 billion in 2019 compared to RM31.43 billion in 2018. Africa’s largest trading partners were South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya. These countries accounted for 49.6% of total trade with Africa. The largest export market in Africa was South Africa which represented 18.2% share to the continent, followed by Nigeria (10.5%) and Egypt (9.6%). Exports to Africa increased by 0.5% to RM19.03 billion compared to RM19.03 billion in the previous year due to higher exports of petroleum products, processed food as well as textiles, apparels and footwear. Imports from Africa increased by 11.3% to RM13.81 billion. Main imports from this continent were crude petroleum, metalliferous ores and metal scrap as well as natural rubber. AFRICA South Africa Côte D’ivoire Nigeria Egypt Kenya Total Trade with Africa 4.8 % RM 32.94 billion Exports to Africa 0.5 % RM 19.13 billion Due to higher export of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Processed Food Petroleum Products Imports from Africa 11.3 % RM 13.81 billion Major Trading Partners Exports to South Africa declined by 8.7% to RM3.48 billion and contributed 18.2% to Malaysia’s total exports to Africa. The decline was due to lower exports of petroleum products, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products as well as optical and scientific equipment. Major export products to the country were petroleum products, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products as well as E&E products. Imports from South Africa rose by 0.3% to RM3.08 billion. Main imports were processed food, metalliferous ores and metal scrap as well as iron and steel products.