Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's exports rose 7.0 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM135.0 billion in November 2025, driven by stronger external demand, according to Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Imports increased 15.8 per cent to RM128.9 billion during the month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's November trade performance also improved, with total trade rising by 11.1 per cent y-o-y to RM263.8 billion from RM237 billion. The trade surplus stood at RM6.1 billion, marking a 58.8 per cent decline from RM14.8 billion in November 2025. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that the increase in exports was due to a rise in re-exports and domestic exports. Re-exports accounted for 22.0 per cent of total exports, increasing by 40.3 per cent y-o-y to RM29.8 billion, while domestic exports saw marginal growth of 0.3 per cent to RM105.2 billion.

Similarly, imports also rose to RM128.9 billion, reflecting a 15.8 per cent increase, and the trade surplus narrowed by 58.8 per cent, marking the 67th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020. Compared with October 2025, imports recorded a marginal increase of 0.7 per cent, while exports, total trade, and trade surplus were down by 9.0 per cent, 4.5 per cent, and 70.0 per cent, respectively.

The higher exports were mainly driven by an increase in export goods to Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, the European Union, Mexico, Singapore, and Vietnam. The increase was primarily due to higher shipments of electrical and electronics (E and E) products, optical and scientific equipment, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, palm oil-based manufactured products, manufacture of metal, and machinery, equipment, and parts.

Meanwhile, the uplift in imports was mainly attributed to stronger inflows from China, Costa Rica, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Oman, and the European Union. The import uptick was driven by heightened inflows of E and E products, machinery, equipment and parts, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, optical and scientific equipment, and palm oil-based manufactured products.

The chief statistician added that Malaysia's total trade from January to November 2025 amounted to RM2.8 trillion, reflecting a 5.8 per cent growth y-o-y.