STRONGER TRADE PERFORMANCE DRIVEN BY CONTINUED STRENGTH IN E&E EXPORTS

Trade Surges in November 2025, Extending Surplus Streak to 67 Months

Malaysia’s trade performance strengthened further in November 2025, with trade registering double-digit growth of 11.1% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM263.83 billion. Exports extended their upward trend for the fifth consecutive month, rising 7.0% to RM134.97 billion, while imports expanded by 15.8% to RM128.86 billion. Trade surplus of RM6.12 billion was recorded, marking the 67th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.

Exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products remained the key export growth contributor, rising by nearly RM8.0 billion, in line with the positive global outlook of the semiconductor industry. World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) has revised upward its projection for global semiconductor sales growth to 22.5% in 2025 (previous projection: 15.4%). Other notable contributors to export growth included optical and scientific equipment as well as metalliferous ores and metal scrap, reflecting broad-based strength across multiple sectors.

Higher exports were registered to major trading partners, namely ASEAN, China, the European Union (EU) and Taiwan. Strong momentum in exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners remains, with significant increases recorded to Hong Kong SAR, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, the United Kingdom (UK), Chile and Peru. Exports to Taiwan in particular, surged to a record high.

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Malaysia’s Trade Performance November 2025 (Infographic)
Malaysia External Trade Statistic

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Prestasi Perdagangan Malaysia November 2025 (Infografik)
Perangkaan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia

OCTOBER 2025 EXPORTS EXPANDED 15.7% Y-O-Y, HIGHEST ON RECORD AS E&E BOOSTED EXPORT GROWTH

66th Month of Trade Surplus in October 2025, with Manufacturing Exports Expanding 15.7% y-o-y to RM126.68 Billion, a Record High

Malaysia’s trade performance in October 2025 rose significantly, as trade, exports and imports climbed to record levels. Total trade expanded by 13.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM277.65 billion. Exports climbed for the fourth consecutive month, increasing by 15.7% to RM148.32 billion, while imports grew by 11.2% to RM129.33 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of RM18.99 billion, the 66th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.

All major sectors recorded growth in exports, with the manufacturing sector as the main driver, up by 15.7% y-o-y to achieve a record value of RM126.68 billion. Robust demands were recorded for electrical and electronic (E&E) products as well as optical and scientific equipment, both of which also registered their highest export values to date. The mining sector sustained its positive trajectory for the second consecutive month, driven by higher exports of metalliferous ores and metal scrap. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector posted steady growth, led by strong exports of palm oil and palm oil–based agriculture products.

Malaysia also recorded higher exports across major trading partners, including ASEAN, China, the European Union (EU) and Taiwan. Exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners continued to gain momentum, with notable increases in exports to Hong Kong SAR, Mexico, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, Pakistan, Canada, Peru and the United Kingdom (UK). Notably, exports to Taiwan and Hong Kong SAR reached new record highs.

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Trade Performance : October 2025 and January - October 2025

Trade Performance : October 2025 and January - October 2025 (Infographic)

Bahasa Melayu

Prestasi Perdagangan : Oktober 2025 dan Januari - Oktober 2025

Prestasi Perdagangan : Oktober 2025 dan Januari - Oktober 2025 (Infografik)

SEPTEMBER 2025 TRADE REBOUNDED 9.8%, EXPORTS GREW 12.2%

The Second Highest Export Value Posted This Year, E&E Exports Hit Historic High

Malaysia’s trade continued to show resilience in September 2025, reversing the previous month’s contraction despite ongoing global trade uncertainties. Trade grew by 9.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM257.51 billion. Export growth remained robust for the third straight month, rising 12.2% y-o-y to RM138.68 billion, the second highest export value posted this year. Imports rebounded by 7.3% to RM118.82 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM19.86 billion, the 65th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.

Export growth in September 2025 was recorded across all sectors. Expansion in the manufacturing sector was led by electrical and electronic (E&E) products which recorded their highest value, with an increase of nearly RM11 billion. Other main contributors included machinery, equipment and parts as well as optical and scientific equipment. Meanwhile, the mining sector rebounded after 13 months of contraction, mainly due to higher exports of metalliferous ores and metal scrap. As for agriculture sector, palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products recorded the largest increase.

Malaysia recorded an uptick in exports to major trading partners, namely ASEAN, China, the United States (US), Taiwan and the European Union (EU). Exports continued to expand to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners with significant increases registered for Mexico, India, Australia, New Zealand, Turkiye, the United Kingdom (UK), Pakistan and Canada.

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Trade Performance : September 2025 and January - September 2025

Trade Performance : September 2025 and January - September 2025 (Infographic)

Bahasa Melayu

Prestasi Perdagangan : September 2025 dan Januari - September 2025

Prestasi Perdagangan : September 2025 dan Januari - September 2025 (Infografik)

MALAYSIA’S JANUARY-AUGUST TRADE GROWS 3.8% Y-O-Y AS EXPORTS SURPASS RM1-TRILLION MARK A MONTH EARLIER

Exports Maintain Growth in August, Despite Lower US Bound Shipments

Malaysia recorded its highest cumulative values for trade for trade, exports and imports for the period January-August 2025. Trade rose by 3.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM1.977 trillion. Exports increased by 3.9% to RM1.032 trillion, surpassing the RM1 trillion mark a month earlier than in 2024. Meanwhile, imports grew by 3.6% to RM945.62 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM86.07 billion.

For just the month of August 2025, however, trade eased slightly by 1.9% y-o-y to RM247.07 billion amid shifting global trade conditions, although exports grew for the second consecutive month by 1.9% to RM131.6 billion. Imports, on the other hand, declined by 5.9% to RM115.47 billion. This resulted in a trade surplus of RM16.13 billion, marking the 64th consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020, an increase of 153.8% compared to August 2024.

Export growth in August 2025 was driven by strong performances in both manufactured and agriculture goods. Exports of agriculture goods recovered from negative growth recorded in July 2025. The expansion of trade numbers was mainly contributed by electrical and electronic (E&E) products, followed by machinery, equipment and parts, optical and scientific equipment as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products. Notably, exports of optical and scientific equipment recorded their highest value to date.

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Trade Performance : August 2025 and January - August 2025

Trade Performance : August 2025 and January - August 2025 (Infographic)

Bahasa Melayu

Prestasi Perdagangan : Ogos 2025 dan Januari - Ogos 2025

Prestasi Perdagangan : Ogos 2025 dan Januari - Ogos 2025 (Infografik)