Its state investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said the state recorded the value of exports at RM314.06 billion and imports at RM249.25 billion.

Among the state’s main exports were refined petroleum, integrated circuit boards and electricity and electronics (E&E) products.

“These products are Johor’s strengths because we can support various economic activities, compared to some states that focus (only) on certain products,” he said in a press conference after officiating the Johor Export Day 2023.

Lee said Johor recorded a total of RM605.98 billion in trade for the same period last year.

“The state government has not set a target for the amount of trade for this year due to the current global economic slowdown,” he said.

However, Lee said he is optimistic that Johor will be able to maintain its leading trade position.

“For us to reach the same trade volume as last year is quite challenging due to the global economic slowdown, but we hope for the best,” he added.