Malaysia’s geographical location gives it a strategic advantage in promoting its import and export activities. Situated at the heart of Southeast Asia - at the crossroads of the maritime route linking the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean- Malaysia serves as an important gateway connecting East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In particular, its location next to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest and most strategic shipping lanes, through which nearly 40% of global seaborne trade passes, not only facilitates Malaysia’s exports to the world but also further reinforces its position as a key transshipment hub in the Asia-Pacific logistics chain.

In addition, Malaysia’s trade activities are also supported by its modern seaport system and logistics infrastructure. Ports such as Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas are consistently ranked among the busiest container ports in the world, helping Malaysia strengthen its role in regional and global supply chains.

Another significant advantage of Malaysia is its language environment, which is favorable to international integration. English, although not the official language, is widely used and spoken fluently in education, administration, and especially in commerce. Thanks to strong English proficiency, Malaysian enterprises can easily negotiate, sign contracts, and expand trade with many markets without being constrained by language barriers.

Malaysia’s trade activities are quite dynamic, with import and export turnover growing significantly over the past decade. According to ITC Trade Map, Malaysia’s total trade value increased from USD 377.5 billion in 2015 to USD 714.55 billion in 2025.

Malaysia is a net exporter whose trade balance remained in surplus throughout 2015–2025. Its trade surplus rose sharply from USD 24.3 billion in 2015 to a peak of USD 60.97 billion in 2021, the period of strong recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, before adjusting downward to USD 36.11 billion in 2025.

Table: Malaysia’s import and export turnover, 2015–2025

Unit: USD billion

Source: ITC Trade Map, 2025

Exports

During the 2015–2025 period, Malaysia’s export turnover increased by about 1.9 times, from about USD 201 billion in 2015 to USD 375.33 billion in 2025.

Malaysia’s export structure highlights the prominent role of the manufacturing sector, with electrical and mechanical machinery and equipment (chapters 84 and 85) accounting for nearly half of the country’s export turnover. Mineral fuels are the second-largest export group, accounting for 11.16% of total export value. Malaysia also exports many production inputs such as plastics, iron and steel, aluminum, and chemicals.

Table: Malaysia’s top 10 export products in 2025

Source: ITC Trade Map, 2026

Imports

Despite short-term fluctuations, Malaysia’s import turnover has generally maintained a steady upward trend over the past decade, rising from USD 176.6 billion in 2015 to USD 339.22 billion in 2025.

The import structure shows high and stable demand in the Malaysian economy for products serving production, especially machinery, electrical and mechanical equipment, mineral fuels, iron and steel, aluminum, chemicals, and similar goods or items that play a key role in sustaining the country’s manufacturing and processing activities.

Table: Malaysia’s top 10 import products in 2025

Source: ITC Trade Map, 2026

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade - VCCI

• Malaysia's market size
• Consumer characteristics in Malaysia
• Characteristics of Malaysia’s distribution system
• Vietnam’s export situation to Malaysia