Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

36th Consecutive Month of Trade Surplus

Malaysia registered the 36th consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020, with a value of RM12.85 billion in April 2023. In tandem with softer global demand, total trade for the month contracted by 14.5% to RM198 billion. The performance was similar to other regional countries which recorded negative trade growth for April 2023. Exports totalled RM105.42 billion, declined by 17.4% and imports decreased by 11.1% to RM92.58 billion.

Compared to March 2023, trade, exports, imports and trade surplus were lower by 14.9%, 18.7%, 10.1% and 51.9%, respectively.

For the period of January to April 2023, trade decreased marginally by 1.6% to RM842.8 billion compared to the same period of 2022. Exports was down by 2.6% to RM460.02 billion and imports declined by 0.3% to RM382.78 billion. Trade surplus edged down by 12.7% to RM77.24 billion.

Export Performance of Major Sectors

Manufactured Goods Absorbed 86.2% of Malaysia’s Exports

In April 2023, exports of manufactured goods which constituted 86.2% or RM90.89 billion of total exports decreased by 15.5% year-on-year (y-o-y), attributed to lower exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, manufactures of metal and chemicals and chemical products. However, exports of petroleum products registered double-digit increase of 20.8%, sustaining positive growth since May 2022.

Exports of agriculture goods (6.8% share) stood at RM7.21 billion, slipped by 29.2% compared to April 2022 due to lower shipments of palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products.

Exports of mining goods (6.3% share) totalled RM6.63 billion, a decrease of 28.9% y-o-y on account of lower exports of crude petroleum.

Major exports in April 2023:

• E&E products, valued at RM44.18 billion and accounted for 41.9% of total exports, decreased by 6.5% from April 2022;

• Petroleum products, RM11.52 billion, 10.9% of total exports, increased by 20.8%;

• Palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, RM5.45 billion, 5.2% of total exports, decreased by 32.1%;

• Chemicals and chemical products, RM4.82 billion, 4.6% of total exports, decreased by 33.2%; and

• Manufactures of metal, RM4.63 billion, 4.4% of total exports, decreased by 35%.

On a month-on-month (m-o-m) basis, exports of manufactured, mining and agriculture goods were lower by 16.6%, 36.4% and 23.4%, respectively.

For the period of January to April 2023, exports of manufactured goods weakened by 2.3% to RM390 billion compared to the corresponding period last year as a result of lower exports of manufactures of metal, rubber products, chemicals and chemical products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products. However, higher exports of petroleum products, E&E products, paper and pulp products as well as optical and scientific equipment offset the impact of the decline.

Exports of mining goods rose by 8.1% to RM36.48 billion boosted by higher exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Exports of agriculture goods was valued at RM30.79 billion, decreased by 17.6% following lower exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products.

Trade Performance with Major Markets

ASEAN – Exports Grew in the First Four Months of 2023

In April 2023, trade with ASEAN represented 26.9% or RM53.28 billion of Malaysia’s total trade, declined by 12% y-o-y. Exports contracted by 11.4% to RM30.89 billion, weighed down by lower shipments of chemicals and chemical products, crude petroleum as well as E&E products. However, increases in exports were recorded for commodity-based products mainly LNG and petroleum products. Imports from ASEAN dipped by 12.8% to RM22.39 billion.

Breakdown of exports to ASEAN countries:

• Singapore RM16.73 billion, decreased by 1.3%;

• Thailand RM4.25 billion, ↓24.1%;

• Indonesia RM4.09 billion, ↑8.5%;

• Viet Nam RM3.59 billion, ↓28.6%;

• Philippines RM1.71 billion, ↓27.2%;

• Myanmar RM184.8 million, ↓26.9%;

• Brunei RM163.5 million, ↓72.7%;

• Cambodia RM150.6 million, ↓46.1%; and

• Lao PDR RM11.9 million, ↑109.4%.

Exports to ASEAN markets that recorded increases were Indonesia which grew by RM322 million on account of robust exports of petroleum products. Exports to Lao PDR increased by RM6.2 million due to higher exports of transport equipment.

Compared to March 2023, trade, exports and imports declined by 17.8%, 18.6% and 16.6%, respectively.

For the period of January to April 2023, trade with ASEAN eased by 0.1% to RM229.47 billion compared to the same period of 2022. Exports increased by 1.7% to RM136.62 billion underpinned by higher exports of petroleum products and E&E products. Imports from ASEAN was lower by 2.6% to RM92.85 billion.

China – Slower Trade Growth

In April 2023, trade with China which comprised 17.2% or RM34.14 billion of Malaysia’s total trade contracted by 13.1% y-o-y. Exports to China was valued at RM13.92 billion, shrank by 19.9% as a result of lower exports of petroleum products, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, palm oil-based manufactured products, iron and steel as well as chemicals and chemical products. Increase in exports however, was recorded for optical and scientific equipment, crude fertilisers and minerals, seafood, fresh, chilled or frozen, paper and pulp products as well as transport equipment. Imports from China slipped by 7.7% to RM20.23 billion.

Compared to March 2023, trade, exports and imports reduced by 9.8%, 16.6% and 4.4%, respectively.

Trade with China during the period of January to April 2023 edged down by 5.2% to RM142.79 billion compared to the corresponding period of 2022. Exports fell by 11.1% to RM59.92 billion due to lower exports of iron and steel products, petroleum products as well as E&E products. Nevertheless, exports of mining goods registered double-digit growth supported by higher exports of LNG. Imports from China was down by 0.4% to RM82.87 billion.

The US – Trade Was Lower in April 2023

Trade with the United States (US) in April 2023 which accounted for 9% of Malaysia’s total trade contracted by 19.5% y-o-y to RM17.82 billion. Exports decreased by 21.5% to RM11.26 billion, owing to lower exports of manufactures of metal, wood products and rubber products. Imports from the US edged down by 15.7% to RM6.56 billion.

On a m-o-m basis, trade, exports and imports fell by 19.2%, 22.8% and 12.1%, respectively.

For the period of January to April 2023, trade with the US was lower by 1.7% to RM77.45 billion compared to the same period of 2022. Exports declined marginally by 0.4% to RM50.21 billion following lower exports of wood and rubber products. The contraction however was cushioned by double-digit growth in exports of E&E products. Imports from the US fell by 3.9% to RM27.24 billion.

The EU – Imports Grew while Exports Declined

In April 2023, trade with the European Union (EU) contributed 7.9% to Malaysia’s total trade, decreased by 15.9% y-o-y to RM15.61 billion. Exports amounted to RM8.06 billion, dipped by 30.5% on account of lower exports of manufactures of metal and E&E products. However, positive export growth was recorded for petroleum products, other vegetable oil, paper and pulp products as well as processed food. Imports from the EU increased by 8.3% to RM7.54 billion.

Breakdown of exports to the top 10 EU markets which accounted for 92.5% of Malaysia’s total exports to the EU were:

• Netherlands RM2.83 billion, decreased by 33.6%;

• Netherlands RM2.83 billion, decreased by 33.6%;

• Germany RM2.03 billion, ↓18.8%;

• Belgium RM659.8 million, ↓8.6%;

• Spain RM477.1 million, ↓32.2%;

• France RM449.8 million, ↓7.8%;

• Italy RM358.8 million, ↓49.8%;

• Poland RM204.3 million, ↓52.3%;

• Czech Republic RM184.8 million, ↓38.9%;

• Czech Republic RM184.8 million, ↓38.9%;

• Hungary RM167.9 million, ↓30.4%; and

• Sweden RM99.3 million, ↓50.1%.

Compared to March 2023, trade, exports and imports edged down by 19.6%, 26.6% and 10.5%, respectively.

For the first four months of 2023, trade with the EU declined by 1.1% to RM67.66 billion compared to the corresponding period of 2022. Exports stood at RM37.34 billion, a decrease of 10.2% compared to the same period last year owing to lower exports of E&E products, rubber products as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products. The decline however was softened by increase in exports of petroleum products, optical and scientific equipment as well as other vegetable oil. Imports from the EU rose by 13.1% to RM30.32 billion.

Japan – Increased Demand for Crude Petroleum and E&E Products

In April 2023, trade with Japan which constituted of 5.7% or RM11.38 billion to Malaysia’s total trade contracted by 24.7% y-o-y. Exports was valued at RM6.13 billion, edged down by 20.5% on account of lower exports of LNG, petroleum products and wood products. Nonetheless, higher shipments were recorded for crude petroleum, E&E products as well as optical and scientific equipment. Imports from Japan fell by 29% to RM5.25 billion.

On a m-o-m basis, trade, exports and imports were lower by 24.2%, 26% and 21.9%, respectively.

For the period of January to April 2023, trade with Japan weakened by 5.6% to RM53.67 billion compared to the same period of 2022. Exports was down by 2% to RM29.79 billion attributed to lower shipments of manufactures of metal, wood products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products. On the contrary, higher exports was registered for exports of LNG, crude petroleum, optical and scientific equipment as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products. Imports from Japan shrank by 9.7% to RM23.88 billion.

Trade with FTA Partners

In April 2023, trade with Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners which contributed 67.8% or RM134.22 billion to Malaysia’s total trade edged down by 13.5% y-o-y. Exports to FTA partners declined by 13.3% to RM74.98 billion and imports shrank by 13.8% to RM59.24 billion.

Increases in exports were recorded to Republic of Korea (ROK), which rose by 10.9% to RM4.86 billion and New Zealand (↑25.8% to RM526.4 million) boosted by robust exports of petroleum products. Exports to Mexico increased by 0.8% to RM1.54 billion backed by strong exports of iron and steel products. Meanwhile, exports to Pakistan expanded by 3.7% to RM424.7 million following higher exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products.

Compared to March 2023, trade, exports and imports decreased by 14.6%, 16.2% and 12.5%, respectively.

Trade with FTA partners during the first four months of 2023 was lower by 1.6% to RM571.19 billion compared to the corresponding period of 2022. Exports eased by 0.8% to RM322.35 billion and imports dropped by 2.6% to RM248.83 billion.

Import Performance

Total imports in April 2023 contracted by 11.1% y-o-y to RM92.58 billion. The three main categories of imports by end use, which accounted for 68.7% of total imports were:

Intermediate goods, valued at RM45.28 billion or 48.9% of total imports, decreased by 24.2% y-o-y, following lower imports of parts and accessories for non-transport capital goods;

Capital goods, valued at RM10.18 billion or 11% of total imports, increased by 11.8%, due to higher imports of industrial transport equipment; and

• Consumption goods, valued at RM8.16 billion or 8.8% of total imports, declined by 1.6%, as a result of lower imports of non-durables.

During the period of January to April 2023, imports decreased marginally by 0.3% to RM382.78 billion from the same period of 2022. Imports of intermediate goods contracted by 9.5% to RM196.15 billion compared to the same period last year, capital goods (↑3.1% to RM37.44 billion) and consumption goods (↑0.2% to RM32.73 billion).

Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia

Tabulated by: MATRADE

Notes:
p - provisional data

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PEMERKASA

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MATRADE is organising the 'Flavours of Malaysia' online campaign in collaboration with Wah Nam Hong (WNH), one of the leading Asian supermarkets in The Netherlands with the aim to promote Malaysian food products to the Dutch market. The online marketing campaign will complement the in-store promotion efforts by Ministry of Agriculture & Food Industry (MAFI), Malaysia.

'Flavours of Malaysia' will take place from 16 September until 16 October 2021 to increase market awareness about Malaysian food products, strengthening Malaysia's brand presence in the local F&B segment. 

Come, discover our range of Malaysian food products with special offers, recipe cards and cooking videos, just a click away at  https://wahnamhong.nl

MATRADE, Malaysia's National trade promotion agency, is bringing MALAYSIAN EXPORTERS to the global F&B scene through HOFEX 2021 in Hong Kong from 9 to 11 September 2021.

25 Malaysian companies will showcase a wide range of food and beverages products including durian products, coffee, confectionery and pastes at the MALAYSIA PAVILION @ HOFEX 2021.

Interested buyers / importers can contact MATRADE Hong Kong at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +852-2527 8109 to get in touch with the Malaysian companies and/or their distributors either physically at HKCEC or virtually through Zoom meeting.

Click here for more details

FRIDAY, 3 JULY 2020, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) announced the postponement of the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) which was scheduled to take place from 1st to 4th September 2020 to next year.

The decision was made after taking into account the COVID-19 pandemic, and the adverse impacts that could jeopardise the show's reputation if it were to proceed. Based on the feedback received by MATRADE through its 46 overseas offices, most foreign exhibitors, buyers and trade visitors are not ready to travel and partake in international exhibitions held abroad.

A quick survey made among Malaysian exhibitors also validated the concerns raised by foreign exhibitors about possible meagre number of visitors and buyers to visit the show, in view of the travel restrictions imposed by many countries around the world.

According to Dato’ Wan Latiff, CEO of MATRADE “The postponement of the show to 2021, is for the best interest of our exhibitors and buyers. The present environment is very challenging, and we believe it would affect the effectiveness of the show. The date for next year will be determined later depending on the development of the pandemic. By deferring it to 2021, it will allow our local and foreign exhibitors to appraise their strategies and calibrate for the changed environment”.

Over the last 16 years, MIHAS has built its reputation as the world’s leading Halal exhibition where thousands of Halal industry players from all over the world meet annually to showcase their innovative and latest products and services. It is also the venue of congregation for academics, practitioners and stakeholders of the Halal, Islamic finance and syariah-compliant businesses.

“MATRADE’s commitment is to hosting a remarkable show that will be the benchmarkand sought after by the Halal and Islamic economy fraternities. We would like to recordour gratitude to exhibitors, sponsors, strategic partners and buyers for their continuedsupport”, Dato’ Wan Latiff said.

MATRADE mempelawa Warganegera Malaysia yang berkelayakan dan berminat untuk memohon jawatan sebagai Pekerja Sambilan Harian (PSH).

Lokasi:

Bahagian Tranformasi Dan Perdagangan Digital
Seksyen Teknologi Maklumat
Menara MATRADE
Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Calon bagi lantikan ini hendaklah memiliki kelayakan seperti berikut:

1. Warganegara Malaysia; dan
2. Berumur tidak kurang daripada 25 tahun pada tarikh tutup iklan; dan
3. Memiliki Ijazah Sarjana Muda dalam bidang Teknologi Maklumat atau Sains Komputer atau Pengurusan Projek atau kelayakan yang diiktiraf setaraf dengannya; dan
4. Mahir berkomunikasi dengan baik secara lisan dan bertulis di dalam Bahasa Melayu dan Bahasa Inggeris; dan
5. Mahir menggunakan perisian Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel dan Microsoft PowerPoint dengan baik.

Calon-calon yang memiliki kriteria berikut akan diberikan keutamaan:

1. Pernah terlibat secara aktif di dalam projek ICT.
2. Berpengetahuan di dalam pengurusan projek ICT.
3. Mempunyai ciri kepimpinan.
4. Mempunyai sijil di dalam pengurusan projek.

Bidang tugas:

Pegawai akan bertindak sebagai pasukan pengurusan projek ICT bagi membantu Pengurus Projek untuk:

1. Melaksanakan urusan pentadbiran projek seperti mengemaskini dokumen projek, mengawasi pelaksanaan aktiviti projek, mengemaskini Jadual Pelaksanaan Projek menggunakan perisian Microsoft Project dan mengatur mesyuarat secara berkala.
2. Memantau dan menyediakan laporan status kemajuan projek secara berkala kepada pihak berkenaan.
3. Menjadi urus setia mesyuarat.

TUESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2019, SINGAPORE: In an effort to enhance Malaysia’s branding as a technological hub, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) led the participation of 10 Malaysian companies to Industrial Transformation Asia Pacific (ITAP) 2019 where Malaysian companies showcased their capabilities in Industry 4.0.

The participation this year will see MATRADE introducing a Malaysia Pavilion for the first time to facilitate engagement of Malaysian companies with international businesses from all over Asia Pacific. The Malaysia Pavilion was officiated by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, YBhg. Dato’ Zainol Rahim Zainuddin today.

According to Puan Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Director of Electrical, Electronics, ICT, Machinery & Equipment Section at MATRADE, the event can be a catalyst to business transactions, learning, networking and establishing collaboration for Malaysian local Small and Medium Enterprises at the event. “We have identified the growing strength of ITAP and given its comprehensive programme lineups which include exhibition, conference and fora, Malaysian companies will be able to enhance their knowledge in innovation and finding likeminded partners for their business,” Jamaliah said.

The exhibitors at the Malaysia Pavilion comprise of those providing Industry 4.0 consultancy and solutions, unmanned aerial system (UAS) solutions, industrial automation solutions, electrical distribution solutions, IoT cloud and factory navigation systems. Others offerings include integrated power and controls systems, digital transformation solutions as well as IT solutions based on block chain technology, just to name a few.

“We hope our participation in ITAP will expose Malaysian companies to the leading edge technologies and future trends around the world for them to leverage or emulate,” Jamaliah said.

The demand for food and household cleaning products have increased tremendously in Taiwan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since the Level 3 Alert started. Among items that consumers purchased the most are instant and dried noodle, rice, egg, flour, cooking paste, seasoning, ready to eat meals and beverages, cereals, frozen food, sanitiser and hand wash.

Nevertheless, this situation in Taiwan, coupled with an adjusted consumer behavior will result in a new trend and lifestyle of home living that will create new opportunities for Malaysian companies, beyond the era of pandemic. In terms of trend, demand for eco-friendly options and green products is growingly visible in Taiwan, given the rise of the environmental consciousness and creation of a sustainable lifestyle in the market.

Looking ahead to the domestic economy for 2021, the strong external demand with the advantages of Taiwan’s high-tech and communications industries (including e-commerce), is expected to increase the market’s export growth momentum. As for domestic demand, the stable employment rate and active stock market will boost private consumption.

Bilateral Trade between Malaysia & Taiwan

Malaysia’s trade with Taiwan contracted by 2.7% to reach RM91.51 billion (USD21.80 billion) in 2020. Exports to Taiwan decreased by 8.6% to RM33.85 billion (USD8.06 billion) in 2020. Major exports were electrical and electronic (E&E) products, optical and scientific equipment, manufactures of metal, chemicals & chemical products and petroleum products.  Imports from Taiwan increased by 1.1% to RM57.66 billion (USD13.73 billion) in 2020. Major imports were E&E products, chemicals & chemical products as well as iron & steel products.

Malaysia’s Ranking

In 2020, Taiwan was Malaysia’s:

• 5th largest global trading partner
• 8th largest exports destination
• 5th largest source of imports

Taiwan’s Ranking

In 2020, Malaysia was Taiwan:

• 7th largest global trading partner
• 8th largest exports destination
• 5th largest source of imports

MATRADE has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) for another two years until April 2022 and through the cooperation stated in the MOU, both organisations believe it will enhance bilateral trade cooperation and trade promotion in the field of Halal, F&B, ICT, healthcare and e-Commerce.

In the spirit of collaboration between MATRADE and TAITRA, Malaysian companies are encourage to participate in the B2B platform via taiwantrade.com. Please register your business interest at https://matrade.taiwantrade.com/ to promote your products and services to the Taiwanese counterparts. In the platform, newsletters on the Taiwanese latest market trend along with the list of events organized in Taiwan, will be featured. Thus, Malaysian exporters are advised to seize this opportunity to explore Taiwanese market via this platform (at no cost).

Taiwan is known for its first class services in the healthcare sector. Taiwan is among the leading markets that managed to overcome COVID-19 pandemic without any lockdown. In this regard, for those who would like to learn from Taiwan’s experience in facing the COVID-19 challenges, please feel free to visit this website: https://www.anticovid19tw.org/

MATRADE Organises Trade Talk on Halal Silk Route

Pempamer Malaysia jana jualan RM71.7j daripada Pesta Perdagangan Jerman

Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd.
The Cradle Investment Programme (CIP) is Malaysia's first development and technology commercialisation funding programme that enables budding innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their raw technology-based ideas into commercially-viable ventures, and helps local start-up companies to attain commercialisation. [Visit Website]

University of Malaya

The University of Malaya was established on the 8th of October 1949 in Singapore as an outcome of a merger between the King Edward VII Medical College and Raffles College. The University was a key player in creating trained and specialized human resources for the Federation of Malaya and Singapore.

The dynamic growth of the University in its first decade led to the creation of two autonomous branches in 1959, one in Singapore, and the other in Kuala Lumpur.

[Visit Website]

Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia

Incorporated in November 1995 as a wholly-owned Government company under the Minister of Finance Incorporated, SIRIM Berhad is a pioneer organisation in industrial Research & Development and Standardisation. [Visit Website]

Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) was set-up on 27 March, 2004. It was first established in 1973 as the Ministry of Technology, Research and Local Government and known as Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE) since 1976. [Visit Website]