Miti teliti barangan penyumbang defisit dagangan RM146 bilion dengan China

Malaysia has set a record for trade surplus of RM100 billion with the United States in 2025, but is facing a trade deficit of RM146 billion with China. The government is investigating the types of goods contributing to this deficit with China, particularly to understand how imported products replace local production. Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of RM100 billion with the United States in 2025, but incurred a trade deficit of RM146 billion with China.

"That is why our focus now is to investigate all products contributing to the large trade deficit with China," said Trade, Investment and Industry Minister Johari Ghani in the House of Representatives today. "We want to know why companies that previously produced those goods, which are now largely imported from China, can no longer do so and why some are shutting down factories."

Johari expressed regret that Malaysia is overly reliant on importing goods at cheaper prices instead of producing them locally. He warned that when local producers close operations, Malaysia will become even more dependent on foreign manufacturers who can subsequently raise prices. "We need to take very strong steps to protect the economy and reduce dependence on foreign countries," he said.

Johari responded to questions about Malaysia's risk of dependence on export markets such as the US and China as trade tensions intensify and higher tariffs are implemented. Earlier, Johari said the government wants more local companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to produce raw materials and semifinished products that are currently imported by the Electrical and Electronic (E&E) industry.

He said expanding the involvement of local producers in the E&E supply chain can help reduce imports while increasing national trade surpluses.