Malaysia’s export unit value index rose 1.8% in May 2026 from the previous month, driven mainly by higher prices for mineral fuels, even as export volumes declined.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the increase was largely attributed to a 5.6% rise in the mineral fuels index, alongside gains in miscellaneous manufactured articles and machinery and transport equipment. However, the export volume index fell 1.4%, weighed down by lower shipments of animal and vegetable oils and fats, manufactured goods and mineral fuels. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the export volume index declined 1.9% to 213.3 points.
Compared with a year earlier, the export unit value index increased 9.5% while the export volume index surged 32.7%.
Meanwhile, the import unit value index slipped 0.4% in May, mainly due to lower prices for mineral fuels, manufactured goods and machinery and transport equipment. Import volume fell 6.4% month-on-month, dragged by declines in mineral fuels, chemicals and manufactured goods. The seasonally adjusted import volume index decreased 6.0% to 174.6 points.
On an annual basis, the import unit value index rose 6.2%, while the import volume index increased 7.4%.
Malaysia’s terms of trade improved 2.3% month-on-month to 122.3 points in May, supported by stronger prices for mineral fuels, animal and vegetable oils and fats as well as miscellaneous manufactured articles. Compared with May 2025, the terms of trade were 3.2% higher.
DOSM noted that the May 2026 figures are provisional and subject to revision.
