Malaysia’s trade hits all-time high of RM328b in May on AI boom

PUTRAJAYA, June 19 — Malaysia’s trade performance shattered previous records in May, as a surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and automotive technologies propelled exports to an all-time monthly high.

Data released by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) reveals that total trade jumped 29.8 per cent year-on-year to RM327.63 billion. This represents the fastest pace of growth in 44 months.

Exports were the primary driver, climbing 45.3 per cent to a record RM184 billion, eclipsing the previous high set in April. This milestone marks the 11th consecutive month of export expansion and the strongest growth rate seen since August 2022.

While imports grew at a more moderate 14.1 per cent to RM143.62 billion, the gap between the two pushed the trade surplus to a historic peak of RM40.38 billion. This extends Malaysia’s unbroken streak of trade surpluses to 73 consecutive months, dating back to May 2020.

The growth was anchored by manufactured and mining products, with electrical and electronic (E&E) products emerging as the standout performer. The sector added RM38 billion to the total, hitting a new record high fuelled by the global appetite for AI-related technologies and automotive components.

Petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and optical and scientific equipment also contributed significantly to the gains.

Global reach and market expansion

Malaysia’s export momentum was widespread across its major trading partners. Asean, China, the United States, Taiwan, and the European Union all recorded strong double-digit growth, with exports to Taiwan and the EU hitting fresh record highs.

The country’s network of free trade agreements also opened new doors, boosting exports to markets including Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Pakistan across a diverse range of products.

The strength of the E&E sector is further evidenced by the performance from January to May 2026. During this period, total trade rose 18.3 per cent year-on-year to RM1.455 trillion.

Exports increased 24.3 per cent to RM793.84 billion, while imports grew 11.8 per cent to RM661.07 billion, resulting in a massive trade surplus of RM132.77 billion. Across the board, trade, exports, imports, and the surplus all reached historic highs for the first five months of the year.

Despite heightened uncertainty in global trade, Miti noted that Malaysia’s trade sector has remained remarkably resilient, with E&E products continuing to anchor the economy.