MALAYSIA’S trade performance rebounded by 3.8% year-on-year (YoY) to RM265.92 billion in July, recording the highest monthly trade value ever.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) today, this is reflected in the country’s export resilience and global trade competitiveness.

The country’s exports increased 6.8% to RM140.45 billion, the highest since September 2024, driven by steady global demand for Malaysian products.

Imports recorded a slight incline of 0.6% to RM125.47 billion, while maintaining a trade surplus for the 63rd straight month, amounting to RM14.98 billion in July 2025.

Meanwhile, electrical and electronic (E&E) product exports jumped by almost RM12 billion to RM63.31 billion in July 2025, marking a 22.5% YoY increase from July 2024.

E&E products remained the main engine of Malaysia’s export growth, supported by strong demand for optical and scientific equipment as well as processed foods.

Additional growth also came from machinery, equipment and parts, along with palm oil-based manufactured products.

(source: MATRADE)

Furthermore, exports to all major trading partners — including ASEAN, China, the US, Taiwan, and the European Union (EU) — recorded growth, with shipments to Taiwan hitting an all-time high.

Exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners also rose, led by strong demand from Mexico and the Republic of Korea (ROK). This is mainly fuelled by higher exports of E&E products.

From January to July 2025, Malaysia’s trade, exports and imports reached their highest-ever cumulative levels whereby total trade increased 4.7% YoY  to RM1.73 trillion.

At the same time, exports rose 4.3% to RM900.47 billion and imports grew 5.1% to RM830.16 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM70.32 billion.

”Malaysia’s encouraging trade performance in the first seven months of 2025 comes amid a cautiously improving global trade outlook,” MITI said.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has revised its 2025 global trade growth forecast to 0.9%, an improvement from its earlier estimate of a 0.2% decline. This is mainly supported by stronger US import demand earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the US government’s move to lower reciprocal tariffs on Malaysian exports from 25% to 19% highlights the effectiveness of MITI’s trade diplomacy.

The new tariff level, which is now closer to that of Malaysia’s ASEAN peers, is expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market.

“Despite global trade and US tariff headwinds, Malaysia’s steady trade performance has contributed to the expansion of the nation’s GDP by 4.4% in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25).

“MITI and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will continue to be vigilant in navigating the shifting global trade dynamics and rising geopolitical tensions,” it added.