KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): China emerged as Malaysia’s largest export market in 2011, with exports to the country growing 13.9% to RM91.25 billion, according to the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said on Thursday that nearly 70% of exports to China were manufactured goods as the country’s industrial needs continued to increase.

“The main exports were chemical and chemical products; rubber products, electrical and electronics (E&E) products; manufactures of metal; processed food; and petroleum products,” he said.

Mustapa said Malaysia’s merchandise trade for 2011 expanded by 8.7%, with exports increasing also at 8.7% and imports at 8.6%. The trade surplus rose 9.4% to RM120 billion.

“Total trade of RM1.269 trillion in 2011 was the highest value ever recorded by Malaysia. Exports were valued at RM694.55 billion, while imports were RM574.23 billion,” he said.

Manufactured goods accounted for 67.7% or RM470.30 billion of the total exports. Mining and agriculture goods contributed 18.1% and 13.6% respectively, boosted by higher prices and demand, he said.