Malaysia’s services sector recorded a strong recovery in 2025, with total trade in services expanding 11.5% to RM550.5 billion compared with RM493.6 billion in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
The increase saw services trade contribute 27.2% to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices.
DOSM said exports of services grew by 15.6% to RM277.9 billion in 2025, up from RM240.5 billion a year earlier, driven by stronger external demand.
Meanwhile, imports of services increased 7.7% to RM272.6 billion from RM253.1 billion in 2024.
The stronger growth in exports compared with imports resulted in Malaysia’s services account recording a surplus of RM5.3 billion in 2025, reversing a prolonged deficit trend and marking the first surplus since 2011.
Asia remained Malaysia’s largest services trade partner, accounting for 66.8% of total services exports valued at RM185.6 billion.
The region was also the biggest source of services imports, contributing 52.3% or RM142.6 billion of total imports.
Singapore, the United States (US) and China emerged as the top destinations for Malaysia’s services exports in 2025.
For services imports, the main sources were the US, Singapore and China.
DOSM said the improved performance reflected Malaysia’s strengthening position in the global services sector, supported by growing cross-border activities, digital-related services and regional economic linkages.
