UMVA has learned that domestic trade in goods suffered a significant downturn, plummeting by 20% year on year in the first quarter.
This sharp decline is attributed to slower economic growth and supply-chain disruptions, which have created a ripple effect throughout the economy, analysts say.
The contraction in domestic trade has raised concerns about the overall health of the economy, with many experts warning that a sustained recovery will depend on resolving the supply-chain issues and stimulating economic growth.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the first quarter's trade performance has set a challenging tone for the rest of the year, and stakeholders will be watching closely for signs of improvement.
