Malaysia's exports declined sharply at a faster-than-expected pace in February, largely reflecting lower shipments to China, Japan and the U.S.A., data from the Department of Statistics showed Friday.
Exports were down 7.7 percent from the previous year, faster than the 4.8 percent fall expected by economists. Shorter working days as well as the festive season contributed to lower exports in February.
Exports to Japan and China fell 7.5 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively. Similarly, exports to the U.S.A. were down by 10.8 percent.
At the same time, total imports dropped 4.4 percent, confounding expectations for a 3.5 percent rise. The trade balance showed a surplus of MYR 8.2 billion compared to the consensus forecast of MYR 5 billion.
During January to February, exports declined by 2.2 percent to MYR 109.45 billion, while imports expanded by 5.8 percent to MYR 97.98 billion. The trade surplus of MYR 11.47 billion was recorded for the period, it said.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.