Malaysia’s August exports miss expectations, surplus hits stronger gains

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia’s export growth slowed in August as the boost from front-loading ahead of US tariffs faded. Shipments rose 1.9 per cent to RM131.6 billion (S$40 billion), while imports slipped for the first time in five months.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country’s imports declined 5.9 per cent year on year (yoy) to RM115.5 billion, reversing a four-month uptrend.

Total trade fell 1.9 per cent to RM247.1 billion, though Malaysia booked a surplus of RM16.1 billion, more than 63 per cent higher than in August 2024.