Malaysia's total trade jumped 22.84 percent in 2004 to hit a record high of RM880.37 billion, official figures showed today.

Last year also marked the seventh straight year that Malaysia had a positive trade balance since November 1997, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) said in a review of 2004.

"This shows Malaysia's resilience in terms of trade over the period," Miti said.

The trade surplus fell slightly to RM81.07 billion in 2004 from RM1.14 billion in 2003.

Strong external demand

Miti said a strong performance in 2003 continued into 2004 as Malaysian merchandise exports grew 20.5 percent to RM480.7 billion.

Factors that had an impact on the export performance in 2004 were stronger external demand, dynamic trade within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and continuing efforts to penetrate new and emerging markets.

Imports in 2004 recorded strong growth of 25.8 percent to RM399.65 billion, Miti said.