January trade hits RM203bil, up nearly 25%

 

Electrical and electronic products formed 40.4% of the value of total exports in January. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s total trade of RM203 billion for January marked a 24.8% year-on-year increase, says the statistics department.

Chief statistician Uzir Mahidin noted that the sum comprised RM110.7 billion in exports and RM92.3 billion in imports.

Exports increased by RM21.1 billion, or 23.5%, compared to the same month of last year, he said in a statement.

Exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products amounted to RM44.8 billion – or 40.4% of total exports – during the month.

At the state level, Penang recorded the highest exports of E&E products worth RM26.2 billion (58.5%), followed by Selangor (RM6 billion, 13.3%) and Johor (RM4.8 billion, 10.7%).

“Among the top five major exporting states, Penang remained the top exporter with a share of 31.3%, followed by Selangor (19.0%), Johor (18.3%), Sarawak (7.8%) and Kedah (4.1%),” said Uzir.

As for imports, Selangor remained the largest contributor with a share of 27.3%, followed by Penang (24.4%), Johor (18.9%), Kuala Lumpur (7.0%) and Kedah (6.6%). - FMT