Malaysia’s exports growth eases in July but still rising at solid 38% clip

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 20): Malaysia’s exports growth moderated in July but expanded at a still-solid clip thanks to demand for electronics, petroleum, and machinery while deliveries rose to all major trading partners. Exports totalled RM193.6 billion, an increase of 38% when compared to July 2025, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) in a statement. In June, exports had risen 45% year-on-year. “Looking ahead, the external environment is likely to remain very dynamic as geopolitical shifts, tariff measures and supply chain realignments continue to reshape global trade,” Miti said. A boom in artificial intelligence has driven demand for semiconductors while geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have boosted prices of petroleum and palm oil. Robust external trade is also helping to support Malaysia’s economy at a time when domestic demand has shown signs of moderating. Electrical and electronic products, which accounted for nearly half of the total outbound shipments from Malaysia in terms of value, surged 51% in July from a year earlier. Exports of petroleum products were up 27% while that of liquefied natural gas gained 14%. Palm oil and palm oil products were 7.8% higher. In terms of markets, deliveries climbed 58% to the US, shrugging off US tariffs. Shipments to China, Malaysia’s biggest trading partner, expanded 49% in terms of value. Exports to other major markets grew at least 17% in July. Gross imports, meanwhile, jumped 36% year-on-year to RM171.14 billion in July. Inbound shipments of capital goods advanced 24% due to non-transport goods while intermediate goods — components and parts used in assembly of final products such as computers and vehicles — increased 40% in July. Consumption goods imports rose 5.2% due to durables. All in all, trade surplus totalled RM22.46 billion, widening 52% year-on-year and 42% on month-on-month basis.