KEPALA BATAS, El Sky News – Malaysia’s trade performance has reached a significant milestone, with national exports hitting RM1.45 trillion for the first 11 months of 2025. This robust performance puts the country on a clear trajectory to surpass its previous historical highs by the end of the year.
Surge in Global Demand
According to Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the cumulative trade value from January to November 2025 reached RM2.77 trillion. This represents a 5.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
“If we look at the year-on-year growth, exports rose by 6.1%, while imports and the trade surplus grew by 5.6% and 10.7% respectively,” Reezal Merican told reporters. He noted that the trade surplus currently stands at a healthy RM132.5 billion, reflecting Malaysia’s competitive edge in the global market.
Key Drivers: Chips and Science
The export boom is largely attributed to the global appetite for high-tech components. The semiconductor sector led the charge with a 17.5% growth, followed by a massive 22.9% spike in pharmaceuticals. Additionally, optical and scientific equipment saw a steady rise of 10%.
While traditional partners like the United States, China, and the European Union remain the largest contributors—accounting for 68.5% of total exports—Malaysia is successfully diversifying its reach.
Emerging Markets and Diplomacy
The MATRADE Chairman highlighted a “double-digit” growth in non-traditional markets, specifically in Africa and Central Asia. This shift is credited to recent strategic diplomatic visits by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Notable surges were seen in:
- Yemen: 62% increase
- Tanzania: 37% increase
- Uzbekistan: 23% increase
A Record-Breaking Outlook
MATRADE remains optimistic that when the final figures are released on January 19, 2026, Malaysia will officially clock its highest-ever annual trade and export values.
“We have already hit RM1.45 trillion in exports. If December contributes at least another RM100 billion, we will break the 2022 record of RM1.55 trillion,” Reezal Merican concluded, marking 2025 as a potential “record-setting” year for the Malaysian economy.
