Malaysia's trade volume for January to August 2025 increased by 3.8% year-on-year, reaching a total of RM1.98 trillion.
Headline: Malaysia's Trade Expansion in August 2025 Bolstered by Palm Oil and Electronics Exports
Malaysia's trade performance remained resilient in August 2025, with a trade surplus of RM16.13 billion, according to data released by the ministry. This marks the 64th consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020.
The trade surplus in August 2025 increased by 153.8% compared to August 2024. Exports for the month grew by 1.9% year-on-year to RM131.6 billion, while imports decreased by 5.9% year-on-year to RM115.47 billion.
The growth in exports was driven by key sectors such as palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, machinery, equipment and parts, electrical and electronic products, and optical and scientific equipment. In fact, exports of optical and scientific equipment recorded their highest value to date in August 2025.
Exports of palm oil and agricultural products contributed significantly to the trade expansion in August 2025, following the trend seen in the first eight months of the year. The overall exports for the first eight months of 2025 were RM1.03 trillion, up by 3.9% year-on-year.
Malaysia's largest trading partners in the first eight months of 2025 were China and other ASEAN countries. China remains Malaysia's largest trading partner, with strategic partnerships with countries like Germany and expansive economic activities within ASEAN also playing significant roles.
The ministry encouraged exporters to improve and diversify their product offerings from January to August 2025. The ministry also emphasised the importance of strengthening supply chain efficiencies to mitigate the transitional effects of policy shifts and uncertainties in the global trading landscape.
Imports for the first eight months of 2025 were RM945.62 billion, up by 3.6% year-on-year. The total trade for the first eight months of the year was RM1.98 trillion, up by 3.8% year-on-year.
Notably, exports of agricultural goods in August 2025 rebounded from negative growth recorded in July 2025. Exporters are encouraged to leverage the 18 free trade agreements ratified by Malaysia with various countries and economies to expand their market reach.
The ministry's efforts to promote exports and strengthen the country's trade position have been instrumental in maintaining Malaysia's competitive edge in the global market. With a focus on continuous improvement and diversification, Malaysia's trade performance is expected to remain robust in the coming months.
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