KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s trade performance hit historic heights in 2025, breaking past the RM3 trillion mark for the first time with total trade valued at RM3.06 trillion, a 6.3% year‑on‑year surge. Exports outpaced imports to deliver a RM151.8 billion surplus, underscoring the nation’s resilience amid global uncertainty.
Exports climbed 6.5% to RM1.60 trillion, crossing the RM1 trillion threshold for the fifth consecutive year, while imports rose 6.2% to RM1.45 trillion. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) hailed the figures as the country’s highest-ever trade, export and import values, reflecting Malaysia’s competitiveness in high‑value, technology‑driven supply chains.
“Record shipments to ASEAN, the US, Taiwan and the EU drove growth, while exports to China expanded at a more moderate pace,” Matrade said.
Malaysia’s extensive network of free trade agreements, including the CPTPP and RCEP, continued to open markets, diversify destinations and cushion risks. Exports to Hong Kong, Mexico and Canada hit new highs, supported by broad‑based product growth.
Despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and rising protectionism, Malaysia’s trade momentum remained strong. December 2025 marked the highest monthly trade ever, with imports jumping 12% to RM133.68 billion. Intermediate goods imports grew 3.6%, consumption goods surged 27.6%, while capital goods fell 11.8%.
On a quarterly basis, Q4 2025 trade rose 11.7% to RM826.65 billion, with exports up 11% and imports up 12.6%.
Looking ahead, MATRADE expects trade to expand at a moderate pace in 2026, in line with the World Trade Organisation’s forecast of 0.5% global merchandise trade growth. However, risks remain from restrictive measures, geopolitical tensions and weaker global demand. – January 20, 2026