Malaysia's economy slows as US-China trade war hits exports

GDP expanded 4.5% in first quarter, while growing tensions darken outlook

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, left, meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in April. Malaysia last month revived the 640 km East Coast Rail Link deal with China, a multibillion dollar project that will help contribute to investment growth. © Reuters

KENTARO IWAMOTO, Nikkei staff writer

May 16, 2019 13:48 JST

Updated on May 16, 2019 16:37 JST

SINGAPORE -- Malaysia's economy slowed in the first quarter of 2019, as ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions took their toll on the country's exports.