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KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Malaysian exports rose to its highest in five years in September as electronics shipments expanded sharply while orders from key markets like the US and China soared.
Exports totalled RM215.1 billion, an increase of 54.5% year-on-year, according to data released by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) on Monday. The expansion exceeded the median forecast of 39.9% in a Bloomberg survey and accelerated from August’s 45.5% growth.
“Malaysia’s trade performance remains exposed to uncertainties arising from shifting trade policies by major economies and geopolitical tensions,” the ministry said.
The ongoing conflicts in West Asia, in particular, could disrupt global trade flows and intensify cost pressures, Miti said, adding that it will continue to “assess these developments, strengthen market diversification, expand access to high-growth markets and help Malaysian exporters adapt”.
Electrical and electronics, which accounted for more than half of the total exports, jumped 68% and reported a new monthly record high. Optical and scientific equipment, such as specialised medical gear and semiconductor test instruments, also reported their highest monthly export value.
Exports of petroleum products climbed 33% while liquefied natural gas surged 46%.
By destination, exports to the US recorded a 72% gain while deliveries to China, the biggest trading partner of Malaysia, were 52% higher. Shipments to Taiwan and South Korea both more than doubled.
Imports, meanwhile, climbed 52.7% to RM181.4 billion in September, also exceeding the Bloomberg survey’s forecast of 39% growth.
By end use, imports of intermediate goods — semi-finished goods used in final assembly of products such as computers or cars — climbed 69.6% to RM92.1 billion. Capital goods imports increased 20.9% while consumption goods rose 18.2%.
All in all, Malaysia reported a trade surplus of RM33.7 billion in September, widening 65% year-on-year and 20% month-on-month.