Total trade expanded sharply to RM327.6 billion in May 2026, supported by a significant increase in exports and steady import growth, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.
Exports reached RM184.0 billion during the month, rising by RM57.4 billion or 45.3% year-on-year (YoY) compared with May 2025.
The strong export performance was mainly driven by higher shipments from several key states, particularly Penang, which recorded the largest increase of RM50.0 billion. Other states contributing to export growth included Johor (+RM6.6 billion), Kuala Lumpur (+RM2.1 billion), Sarawak (+RM1.7 billion), Perak (+RM504.4 million), Terengganu (+RM346.0 million) and Kelantan (+RM35.7 million).
However, export values declined in several states, including Sabah (-RM1.1 billion), Pahang (-RM905.8 million), Melaka (-RM569.7 million), Selangor (-RM509.1 million), W.P. Labuan (-RM282.9 million), Kedah (-RM183.4 million), Negeri Sembilan (-RM154.1 million) and Perlis (-RM10.3 million).
Penang remained Malaysia’s largest export hub, accounting for 52.1% of total exports, followed by Johor (17.0%), Selangor (12.7%), Sarawak (5.0%) and Kuala Lumpur (3.7%).
Meanwhile, imports also strengthened in May 2026, increasing RM17.8 billion or 14.1% YoY to RM143.6 billion.
The increase was supported by higher imports across most states, led by Penang (+RM13.2 billion) and Johor (+RM9.2 billion). Other states recording higher imports included Kedah (+RM1.3 billion), Negeri Sembilan (+RM1.0 billion), Kuala Lumpur (+RM496.4 million), Sabah (+RM245.0 million), Pahang (+RM68.1 million), W.P. Labuan (+RM31.5 million) and Terengganu (+RM2.2 million).
Despite the overall increase, imports declined in Selangor (-RM4.7 billion), Melaka (-RM1.4 billion), Perak (-RM215.8 million), Perlis (-RM117.2 million), Sarawak (-RM55.1 million) and Kelantan (-RM41.3 million).
Penang was also the country’s largest importing state, contributing 29.4% of Malaysia’s total imports, followed by Johor (24.4%), Selangor (22.4%), Kuala Lumpur (8.3%) and Kedah (4.8%).
