Malaysia’s exports hit RM1.45 trillion for Jan-Nov 2025, driven by semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, with trade surplus rising 10.7% to RM132.5 billion
KEPALA BATAS: Malaysia’s export value reached RM1.45 trillion for the period of January to November this year. Total trade for the same period hit RM2.77 trillion.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said this marks the fifth consecutive year Malaysia has broken the trillion-ringgit trade barrier. He said the country is on track to set a new full-year record.
Compared with January to November last year, exports rose by nearly 6.1%. Trade increased by 5.8% and imports grew by about 5.6%.
“Meanwhile, the country’s trade surplus for the same period was recorded at RM132.5 billion, an increase of 10.7%, reflecting strong external trade performance,” he told reporters.
Export growth was largely driven by strong demand for semiconductor products, which grew 17.5%. Pharmaceuticals rose 22.9% and optical and scientific products increased by around 10%.
Asian countries remained Malaysia’s largest export destination, followed by the United States, China, the European Union and Hong Kong. These five markets accounted for nearly 68.5% of total exports.
Trade with countries with free trade agreements showed positive performance, increasing by 3.2%. They accounted for about 66.8% of export value, including Mexico, Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates, Chile, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
“What is even more encouraging is the marked increase in exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Central Asia,” Reezal Merican elaborated.
Countries such as Yemen saw a 62% rise, Tanzania (37%), Togo (30%), Uzbekistan (23%), Kenya (12%), Nigeria (15%) and Algeria (24%). He said the Prime Minister’s official visits to several countries in these regions also had a positive effect on trade performance.
He is optimistic that Malaysia will record its highest export and trade values in history when the full performance figures for this year are announced. “I expect this year will set another record, meaning we are quite optimistic that exports will not only break the trillion mark but reach the highest figures in Malaysia’s history,” he said.
Last year, exports were RM1.51 trillion, and the previous high was RM1.55 trillion in 2022. “We are currently at RM1.45 trillion, and if we add another RM100 billion for this month, it will become RM1.55 trillion or RM1.56 trillion, surpassing the previous peak,” he added.
