Malaysia’s Trade Reaches RM327.6 Billion in May as Penang Leads National Export and Import Growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s external trade continued its strong upward momentum in May 2026, recording a total trade value of RM327.6 billion, with Penang maintaining its position as the country’s leading contributor to both exports and imports.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) in its latest May 2026 External Trade Statistics report, exports amounted to RM184.0 billion, while imports totalled RM143.6 billion, reflecting continued expansion in the country’s international trade activities compared with the same month last year.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd. Uzir Mahidin said exports increased by RM57.4 billion, representing a 45.3 per cent year-on-year rise.
The significant improvement was largely driven by stronger export performance from Penang, which recorded an increase of approximately RM50 billion, reinforcing the state’s role as Malaysia’s largest export hub.
Other states contributing to export growth included Johor with an increase of RM6.6 billion, followed by Kuala Lumpur (RM2.1 billion), Sarawak (RM1.7 billion), Perak (RM504.4 million), Terengganu (RM346 million) and Kelantan (RM35.7 million).
However, several states experienced declines in export value during the same period.
Sabah registered the largest decrease at RM1.1 billion, followed by 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).
In terms of overall export contribution, Penang accounted for 52.1 per cent of Malaysia’s exports, maintaining a commanding lead among all states.
Johor ranked second with a 17 per cent share, followed by Selangor (12.7 per cent), Sarawak (5 per cent) and Kuala Lumpur (3.7 per cent).
Malaysia’s import performance also strengthened during May, rising by RM17.8 billion, or 14.1 per cent, compared with the corresponding month in 2025.
Penang again emerged as the principal contributor, recording an import increase of RM13.2 billion.
Johor followed with growth of RM9.2 billion, while 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) also posted higher import values.
Meanwhile, Selangor recorded the largest decline in imports at RM4.7 billion.
Other states registering lower import values included Melaka (RM1.4 billion), Perak (RM215.8 million), Perlis (RM117.2 million), Sarawak (RM55.1 million) and Kelantan (RM41.3 million).
Penang remained Malaysia’s largest importing state, contributing 29.4 per cent of total imports.
Johor accounted for 24.4 per cent, followed by Selangor (22.4 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (8.3 per cent) and Kedah (4.8 per cent).
The latest figures underscore Penang’s continued importance as Malaysia’s primary manufacturing and trading centre, particularly in export-oriented industries, while highlighting sustained resilience in the country’s trade sector despite ongoing uncertainties in the global economic environment.
The strong performance recorded in May further reflects continued expansion in Malaysia’s external trade, supported by robust export demand and steady import activity across several major industrial states.
