Malaysia's trade fell 7.3 per cent to RM2.637 trillion (Eur 0.51 trillion) in 2023 dragged by slower global demand, lower commodity prices, geopolitical uncertainties, high inflation rate, downcycle in the semiconductor sector. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said in a statement, exports contracted by eight per cent to RM1.426 trillion (Eur 0.27 trillion) for the year, while imports weakened by 6.4 per cent to RM1.212 trillion (Eur 0.23 trillion) compared with 2022. Malaysia reported lower exports of petroleum, electric and electronics, palm oil-based manufactured as well as chemicals and chemical products. Malaysia's exports in 2023 was dominated by E&E products which accounted for 40.4 per cent share of total exports, recording a contraction compared to the previous year. Despite the downcycle in global semiconductor sector, the country's exports of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits (ICs) attained positive growth. Malaysia continued to register a trade surplus for 26th successive year since 1998, amounting to RM214.1 billion (Eur 41.27 billion). The challenging global economic landscape in 2023 has adversely impacted international trade including Malaysia's trade performance which experienced a contraction. This was in line with other key trading partners notably China, Taiwan RoC, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia which also posted negative trade growth. Despite the weak export performance, year 2023 witnessed the growth of Malaysia's exports to emerging markets notably Kenya, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Yemen, Morocco, Puerto Rico, Namibia and Kyrgyzstan. Exports to selected Free Trade Agreement (FTA) markets recorded expansion namely the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, Mexico, Türkiye and New Zealand despite overall exports to FTA partners registered decreases. In 2023, Malaysia's major trading partners were ASEAN, China, the US, the European Union (EU) and Japan, representing 67.7 per cent share of Malaysia's total trade. China continued to be Malaysia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009, taking up 17.1 per cent share of Malaysia's total trade. Trade with China however fell 7.3 per cent to RM450.84 billion (Eur 86.91 billion) from the preceding year. China was Malaysia's largest import source, absorbing 21.3 per cent share of total imports. Trade with the US, Malaysia's third largest trading partner since year 2015, declined by 6.5 per cent to RM250.25 billion (Eur 48.24 billion) compared to 2022 and made up 9.5 per cent of Malaysia's total trade. (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 23 febbraio 2024, Kuala Lumpur