Malaysia's Trade Performance for 2025

THE HIGHEST EVER VALUE FOR TRADE, EXPORTS AND IMPORTS

Historic Milestone as Trade Value Surpasses RM3 Trillion

Malaysia’s trade performance reached historical levels in 2025, registering the highest trade, export and import values on record and underscoring the nation’s resilience and competitiveness amid an increasingly uncertain global trade environment. Total trade surpassed the RM3 trillion mark for the first time, amounting to RM3.061 trillion, a 6.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase. Exports exceeded RM1 trillion for the fifth consecutive year, rising 6.5% to the highest ever recorded value of RM1.607 trillion, while imports grew by 6.2% to RM1.455 trillion. This outstanding performance resulted in a trade surplus of RM151.80 billion, marking the 28th consecutive year of surplus since 1998.

Notable export growth underpinned by record-high shipments to traditional trading partners, namely ASEAN, the United States (US), Taiwan and the European Union (EU), reflecting Malaysia’s strong integration into high-value, technology-driven global supply chains. This performance was achieved despite rising global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and rising risks of protectionism. Exports to the People’s Republic of China (China), however, expanded at a more moderate pace.

Malaysia’s extensive network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including major regional frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), continued to facilitate market access, diversify export destinations and mitigate trade risks. Leveraging these agreements, exports remained on an upward trend, with Hong Kong SAR, Mexico and Canada recording new highs, supported by broad-based growth across a wide range of products.

Export diversification strategies targeting emerging markets have supported export growth, particularly to Nigeria, Tanzania, Togo, Angola, Yemen, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Puerto Rico, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya and Algeria, highlighting Malaysia’s success in tapping new potential markets beyond its traditional trading partners.

From a sectoral perspective, manufactured goods recorded their highest value to date, remaining the key driver of Malaysia’s historical export growth this year. This was led by electrical and electronic (E&E) products, machinery, equipment and parts as well as optical and scientific equipment, all of which also reached record highs. Strong export performance was further supported by the agriculture sector, driven primarily by palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products.

Malaysia’s strong performance is also reflected in its improved global standing, with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) ranking the country 23rd in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, up from 34th in 2024, highlighting significant progress in economic recovery, reforms and overall competitiveness.

Malaysia’s strong trade, export and import performance in 2025 underscores the importance of continued policy support and strategic export promotion under strong stewardship by MITI and MATRADE. These efforts were reinforced by initiatives under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), the National Trade Blueprint (NTBp) and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), ensuring sustained trade momentum and resilient growth amid evolving global challenges.

Further details of Malaysia’s Trade Performance for December 2025 and full year 2025 are available in the Appendix below, which should be read together with the Notes accompanying this report.

MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT, TRADE & INDUSTRY
20 JANUARY 2026

About MITI

MITI is the key driver in making Malaysia the preferred destination for quality investments and enhancing the nation's rising status as a globally competitive trading nation. Its objectives and roles are oriented towards ensuring Malaysia’s rapid economic development and help achieve the country's stated goal of becoming a developed nation.

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Malaysia’s 2025 Trade Performance: The Highest Ever Value for Trade, Exports and Imports