Exports fared better in September 2011

From manufacturing to commodities, almost all major sectors recorded increases in exports in September 2011. Total exports in September 2011 grew by RM8.36 billion, of which 50% was contributed by the growth in manufactured exports.

Exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products in September 2011 increased by RM510 million or 2.6% from September 2010, contributed by higher exports of integrated circuits and transistors. Other E&E exports that grew were telecommunication equipment and parts, telephone sets and storage units for Automatic Data Processing (ADP) machines.

Growth in September 2011 E&E exports were seen to the PRC, Singapore and France. Exports of E&E products to Thailand expanded by 8.4% or RM64.2 million in September 2011 due to higher exports of parts and accessories for ADP, cathode ray tubes and TV reception apparatus.

However, E&E exports to Thailand for October and November 2011 is expected to decline owing to the flood situation in the country.

E&E exports from January to September 2011 declined by 5.5% compared with the corresponding period 2010, valued at RM177.25 billion. During this period all other major manufactured exports recorded increases.

Rising prices coupled with continued demand for the major commodities elevated September 2011 exports by RM3.94 billion above the value recorded in September 2010. Exports of these major commodities that expanded during the first nine months of 2011 are as follows:

- Palm oil, up by RM14.27 billion;

- Refined petroleum products, up by RM6.62 billion;

- LNG, up by RM5.51 billion; and

- Crude rubber, up by RM3.95 billion.