Malaysia’s Total Trade Reaches Record RM3.1 Trillion in 2025 Amid Strong Exports

Malaysia’s total trade surged to a historic high of RM3.1 trillion in 2025, up from RM2.8 trillion in 2024, marking the strongest annual figure on record. Growth moderated to +6.3% year-on-year compared to +9.2% the previous year, supported mainly by robust exports which rose +6.5% (2024: +5.8%).December 2025 showed continued momentum, with total trade expanding +11.1% year-on-year for the fourth straight month of double-digit gains.

Total Trade

Exports jumped +10.4% (from +7.0% in November), while imports grew +12.0% despite a slight slowdown from November’s +15.8%. Manufacturing exports led the charge, rising +13.6% year-on-year, boosted by strong demand for electrical & electronics (+25.3%), machinery (+11.3%), and optical/scientific products (+20.8%).Looking to 2026, analysts now forecast softer external trade growth. Export growth is revised down to +4.5% (from +6.0%), and imports to +5.0% (from +5.5%), citing fading front-loading effects, higher base comparisons, and potential headwinds from US tariff measures impacting final demand.

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