Malaysia: Merchandise exports rise at a milder pace in June
Latest reading: Merchandise exports climbed 7.2% on an annual basis in June, on the heels of May’s 9.3% increase. The figure marked the weakest growth since January, likely due to the fading boost of export frontloading ahead of higher expected U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, merchandise imports rose 12.4% in annual terms in June (May: +17.8% yoy).
As a result, the merchandise trade balance improved from the previous month, recording a USD 2.0 billion surplus in June (May 2025: USD 0.2 billion surplus; June 2024: USD 3.0 billion surplus). Lastly, the trend deteriorated, with the 12-month trailing merchandise trade balance recording a USD 29.0 billion surplus in June, compared to the USD 30.0 billion surplus in May.