Since the 1970's, Malaysia has been able to continuously maintain the fast growth of its economy. It has been achieved by adopting the economic policies that propelled rapid reduction of poverty and checked the inequalities and imperfections in the Malaysian markets. It has developed equal and better economic environment among its various ethnic identities.

With the favorable signs of solid economic revival emanating from the major economies of the world the import export in Malaysia is bound to grow further. Improving global environment and rising commodity prices have allowed the economy to sustain its growth and is predicted to improve further. Improvement in business and consumer sentiments will further boost its growth. Extensive growth that covers all the major sectors has also contributed a lot in strengthening its economy. Domestic demand, especially in the field of private consumption, continued to increase at a steady pace and increase in private investments resulted in the economic growth led by the private sector.

As per the figures available for the year 2008, the total trade done by Malaysia rose to RM80.5 trillion, 6.8% more than what it achieved in the year 2007. Exports jumped to RM663.5 billion recording 9.6% increase and the imports also rose to RM521.5 billion registering 3.3% growth, ensuing RM142 billion in trade surplus. Though, the import export in Malaysia declined in December 2008, it still recorded the trade surplus of RM11.67 million, taking the tally of successive trade surplus months to 134 since November 1997.

Comparing in quarterly terms, RM269.84 billion worth of trade was registered in the 4th quarter of the year 2008, a decline of 9.6% from 4th quarter of the year 2007. Decline of RM151.3 (7.4%) was recorded in exports while imports in Malaysia went down to RM118.5 (12.3%).

Malaysia holds key position in ASEAN markets. In the year 2008, total amount of exports from Malaysia to ASEAN countries rose to RM171.19 billion recording an increase of 10%. 25.8% of Malaysia's total exports in 2008 were made to ASEAN. Imports from ASEAN also went up to RM126.4 billion, an increase of 2.4%. 24.2% of Malaysia's total imports were from ASEAN in 2008.

In March 2009, exports decreased to RM43.6 billion by 15.6% and imports reduced to RM31.1 billion by 28.7% as compared with March 2008. Malaysia registered a trade surplus of RM12.5 billion in March, making it a 137th consecutive month that recorded the trade surplus since November 1997.

Major products exported from Malaysia include electrical and electronic goods, liquefied natural gas (LNG), palm oil and related products, petroleum and related products, timber and timber based products, chemicals and metals. Major goods imported by Malaysia include machinery, appliances and articles, iron and steel products, chemicals and chemical products, food, mineral fuels, lubricants and transport equipments.

Major export destination for Malaysian goods includes Japan, China, USA, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, India, Australia, Hong Kong and Netherlands. According to the figures available for first three months of 2009, 71.8% of Malaysia's total exports were made to these countries.

Major countries from where Malaysia imports are USA, Japan, China Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong. These countries accounted for 70.6% of Malaysia's total imports from January to March 2009.