Annual Report 2019

Sustaining Export Development Trade Performance Report // 37 In 2019, the EU remained as one of Malaysia’s major trading partners, contributing 9.5% or RM175.81 billion to Malaysia’s total trade, down by 4.2% compared to RM183.44 billion in the previous year. Exports to this region contracted by 1.8% to RM96.91 billion mainly due to lower exports of manufactures of metal which dropped by 55.9% or RM3.06 billion, followed by palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products as well as chemicals and chemical products. Imports from the EU decreased by 7.0% to RM78.90 billion. Main imports were E&E products, machinery, equipment and parts as well as transport equipment. EUROPEAN UNION (EU) Germany was the largest trading partner in the EU, accounting for 30.0% of Malaysia’s total trade in the region, followed by the Netherlands (18.2%) and France (9.7%). The Netherlands was the largest export destination for the EU market and held a share of 27.1% or RM26.30 billion, increased by 1.9% due to higher exports of E&E products, palm oil-based manufactured products as well as petroleum products. Significant export increases were recorded to Spain, the UK, Greece, Denmark and Hungary. Imports from the Netherlands decreased by 16.0% to RM5.69 billion. Main imports were petroleum products, machinery, equipment and parts as well as chemicals and chemical products. Exports to European Union 1.8 % RM 96.91 billion Imports from European Union 7.0 % RM 78.90 billion Major Trading Partners Total Trade with European Union 4.2 % RM 175.81 billion Germany Netherlands France SUMMARY OF MARKET PERFORMANCE