Following a record trade performance in 2025, with total trade (merchandise) breaching the RM3 trillion mark, MATRADE shared further details, with total services trade surpassing the RM500 billion mark for the first time in history, reaching an all-time high of RM543.01 billion, a 9.2% increase compared to 2024.
This was further solidified by the services sector, which recorded its first trade surplus after 13 years of deficit since 2011, signaling Malaysia’s successful transition into a high-value, services-driven economy. The RM1.15 billion trade surplus signals a significant turnaround, propelled by robust performance in travel and manufacturing services
Exports recorded historic high to RM272.08 billion expanded by 12%, outpacing imports, which grew by 6.4% to RM270.93 billion. This strong export performance resulted in an overall trade surplus of RM1.15 billion.
The export growth was underpinned by a surge in travel, alongside robust gains in other business services, telecommunications, computer & information services, transport as well as maintenance and repair services. Travel recorded double-digit growth of 16% to RM110.59 billion, fuelled by a record-breaking 42.2 million international arrivals compared to 2024.
Telecommunications, computer and information services expanded by 27.1% to RM27.13 billion, fuelled by the nation’s burgeoning data center ecosystem. Other business services rose by 14.1% to RM48.66 billion, reflecting rising demand for professional, managerial and consultancy services. Maintenance and repair services surged by 34.2% to RM7.67 billion, underscoring Malaysia’s increasingly deeper integration into regional and global supply chains and reflecting growing demand for cross-border technical servicing activities.
Chairman of MATRADE, Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said, “The 2025 services trade performance marks a watershed moment for Malaysia. Achieving our first services surplus in 14 years underscores the success of our strategic shift toward a high-value, knowledge-based economy. With total trade reaching a record RM543.01 billion.”
MATRADE adds that it will continue to champion Malaysian export excellence on the world stage by deepening its integration into global supply chains, fostering innovation and high-value partnerships that will drive long-term prosperity and solidify Malaysia’s standing as a premier global trade hub.
