Malaysia trade growth hits RM327.6b driven by Penang, Johor as imports and exports climb in May

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — Malaysia’s total trade in May 2026 amounted to RM327.6 billion, with exports and imports valued at RM184.0 billion and RM143.6 billion, respectively, the Statistics Department Malaysia (DOSM) said.

According to its May 2026 report Export Import Statistics by State released today, Penang accounted for the largest share of both exports and imports, supporting Malaysia’s trade performance.

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said in a statement that exports increased by RM57.4 billion, or 45.3 per cent, from May 2025.

The rise in exports was driven by higher shipments from Penang (RM50 billion), Johor (RM6.6 billion), Kuala Lumpur (RM2.1 billion), Sarawak (RM1.7 billion), Perak (RM504.4 million), Terengganu (RM346 million) and Kelantan (RM35.7 million).

Exports, however, declined in Sabah by RM1.1 billion, Pahang (RM905.8 million), Melaka (RM569.7 million), Selangor (RM509.1 million), Labuan (RM282.9 million), Kedah (RM183.4 million), Negeri Sembilan (RM154.1 million) and Perlis (RM10.3 million), Mohd Uzir said.

“Top exporter Penang contributed 52.1 per cent, followed by Johor (17 per cent), Selangor (12.7 per cent), Sarawak (5 per cent) and Kuala Lumpur (3.7 per cent),” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mohd Uzir said imports increased by RM17.8 billion, or 14.1 per cent, versus the same month a year ago.

He said the rise in imports was driven by Penang (RM13.2 billion), Johor (RM9.2 billion), Kedah (RM1.3 billion), Negeri Sembilan (RM1 billion), Kuala Lumpur (RM496.4 million), Sabah (RM245 million), Pahang (RM68.1 million), Labuan (RM31.5 million) and Terengganu (RM2.2 million).

Imports declined in Selangor by RM4.7 billion, followed by Melaka (RM1.4 billion), Perak (RM215.8 million), Perlis (RM117.2 million), Sarawak (RM55.1 million) and Kelantan (RM41.3 million).

“Penang dominated Malaysia’s imports with a share of 29.4 per cent, followed by Johor (24.4 per cent), Selangor (22.4 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (8.3 per cent) and Kedah (4.8 per cent),” he said. — Bernama