Malaysia generated RM45.4 billion in export sales in 2025 from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s series of overseas visits and trade missions, Parliament was told on Tuesday.
The export gains were driven by expanded trade ties with countries including the United Kingdom, Thailand, Russia, Italy, France, Brazil, China, South Korea and several African nations.
“Key export sectors included liquefied natural gas (LNG), palm oil, electrical and electronic (E&E) products — particularly semiconductors, as well as aerospace goods, furniture and other manufactured items,” Anwar said during the prime minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar noted that despite global uncertainties stemming from policy moves by the United States and geopolitical tensions, Malaysia recorded its highest-ever total trade value of RM3.061 trillion in 2025, up 6.3% from 2024, reflecting the country’s open trade policy and access to 240 markets.
Exports reached a record RM1.63 trillion, an increase of 6.5% year-on-year, supported by strong trade with Asean, China, the United States and the European Union. Malaysia’s trade surplus also rose 9.2% to RM151.80 billion from the previous year.
Anwar also highlighted strong growth in new and emerging markets, including Kyrgyzstan, which recorded a 225.8% increase, as well as Yemen, Tanzania, Togo, Uzbekistan, Angola, Algeria, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Kenya and Morocco, underscoring opportunities to further diversify trade.
Meanwhile, Anwar said he had directed authorities to review whether existing business and service costs were reasonable, stressing that while trade performance remained strong, cost pressures should not undermine competitiveness.
He said the government would remain open to reassessing certain service-related charges, including those involving Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), adding that the matter would receive special attention from the relevant ministry.
Source: theedgemalaysia