Malásia Balança Comercial

Malaysia's trade surplus slumped to MYR 0.8 billion in May 2025, down from MYR 10.0 billion in the same month of 2024 and well below expectations of MYR 6.4 billion. It was the smallest trade surplus since April 2020, when the trade balance posted a deficit, as exports fell while imports rose. Exports unexpectedly shrank by 1.1% yoy to a three-month low of MYR 126.6 billion, the first decline in eight months, reversing a 16.4% surge in April and missing estimates of an 8.9% rise. This decrease was driven by lower sales in the mining (-23.6%) and manufacturing sectors (-0.3%). By contrast, agriculture shipments rose 8.3%. Meanwhile, imports grew by 6.6% to MYR 125.9 billion, much softer than forecasts of a 13.8% growth, boosted by capital goods (63.7%). Conversely, both intermediate goods and consumption goods fell by 4.4% and 1.1%, each. For the 1st five months of 2025, the country posted a surplus of MYR 46.9 billion, with exports and imports rising by 5.5% and 6.9%, respectively.