Malaysia's trade slips slightly to RM234.85bil in June, surplus rebounds sharply
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said exports fell by 3.5 per cent to RM121.72 billion, while imports increased by 1.2 per cent to RM113.13 billion.
The ministry said the drop in exports was mainly due to weaker shipments of manufactured and mining goods, especially petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude petroleum.
"This contraction was partly cushioned by continued strength in exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, which posted double-digit growth in June 2025, extending its growth streak to 15 consecutive months.
"This was also supported by increased exports of machinery, equipment and parts as well as electrical and electronics (E&E) products," it said in a statement.
MITI stated that the increase in exports of electrical and electronics products aligns with the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics forecast of an 11.2 per cent growth in global semiconductor sales for 2025.
The ministry said Malaysia's trade surplus saw a strong rebound in June 2025, rising to RM8.59 billion from RM759.9 million in May 2025.
"This marked the 62nd consecutive month of surplus since May 2020, reflecting continued resilience in Malaysia's external trade position," it adds.
In the first half of 2025, Malaysia's trade performance remained firm, marking the highest cumulative value ever recorded for trade, exports, and imports.
Total trade rose by 4.8 per cent to RM1.46 trillion, with exports increasing by 3.8 per cent to RM760.2 billion and imports growing by 5.9 per cent to RM704.67 billion.
According to MITI, trade surplus in the first half of 2025 stood at RM55.53 billion.
MITI said in June 2025, exports to key trading partners such as the United States, the European Union, and Taiwan recorded growth.
The ministry added that exports to Mexico also rose, mainly supported by higher shipments of E&E products.
"In terms of the US tariff measures, Malaysia remains committed to continuing engagement to achieve a balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade arrangement.
"MITI and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation are also intensifying efforts to build a more resilient trade ecosystem," it said.
MITI said these efforts involve diversifying export markets and enhancing trade relationships through free trade agreements, with the aim of broadening Malaysia's trading network and building a more resilient economy against external uncertainties.
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