KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 – Malaysia’s exports in January rose by 12.2 per cent from a year earlier, more than expected, due to a strong rise in shipments of electrical and electronic products as well as an increase in refined petroleum products, government data showed today.

Imports gained 7.2 per cent from a year ago, also stronger than expected, driven by a strong rise in consumption goods, as well as machinery and appliances. 

The January trade surplus was RM6.4 billion, according to data from the Statistics Department. Fifteen economists had forecast a trade surplus of RM8.7 billion, compared with RM9.5 billion in December.

They had forecast an 8.2 per cent rise in exports and a 1.4 per cent decline in imports.

Exports to China, Malaysia’s largest trade partner, were up 27.2 per cent from a year earlier.

Exports picked up towards the end of last year as a recovery in the global economy boosted shipments of electronics. ― Reuters