KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia achieved record-breaking cumulative trade values from January to November 2025, with total trade rising 5.8 per cent to RM2.78 trillion and the trade surplus expanding 10.7 per cent to RM132.56 billion.
According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), this performance reinforces Malaysia's standing as a resilient and diversified trading nation, well-positioned to navigate the evolving global economic landscape.
In November 2025, total trade reached RM263.83 billion, marking robust year-on-year growth of 11.1 per cent. Exports rose 7 per cent to RM134.97 billion, while imports jumped 15.8 per cent to RM128.86 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM6.12 billion – Malaysia's 67th consecutive month of surplus, highlighting the country's enduring trade resilience.
The narrower trade surplus in November was driven by a surge in imports of capital and intermediate goods, reflecting strategic industrial upgrading rather than weakening exports.
Imports of capital goods soared 56.8 per cent to RM20.81 billion, led by electrical and electronic (E&E) infrastructure for data centres and AI applications, including servers, transmission machines, and high-end computing equipment.
Intermediate goods rose 5 per cent to RM66.43 billion, fuelled by demand for integrated circuits and micro assemblies, supporting sustained manufacturing activity and a strong future export pipeline.
Matrade said the current moderation in Malaysia's trade balance is a 'positive narrowing', as it is driven by a deliberate surge in capital investment.
"By importing the building blocks of AI and digital infrastructure today, we are securing Malaysia's competitive edge as a global supply chain hub for tomorrow," it said in a statement.
Matrade said the November trade performance reflects a strategic transition toward a high-technology, high-value economy. While some regional peers have faced significant external volatility and trade deficits during this period, Malaysia has maintained a solid surplus for over five years.
Investments in aircraft and heavy machinery, such as bridge cranes, further highlight the country's long-term focus on aerospace and logistics capabilities.
