Despite external uncertainties, Malaysia's trade remained resilient for 2016 with a total of RM1.485 trillion. The 1.5 per cent modest growth was due to a 1.1 per cent rise in exports and 1.9 per cent in imports resulting in a trade surplus of RM87.27 billion. Last year's performance was due to higher trade with China (RM10.01 billion), the United States (RM 7.87 billion) and Korea (RM 3.56 billion).
China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for eight successive years. International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the major contributors for 2016 were manufactured and agricultural exports and the continued growth of electrical and electronic goods. Meanwhile exports in December jumped by 10.7 per cent to RM75.55 billion, the highest value in 2016. Imports increased by 11.5 per cent to RM66.83 billion. Significant increases were recorded with China, Asean, Taiwan, the European Union and Australia.
