Malaysia – EU Relation: Malaysia Achieves Historic Trade Record in 2025, Exceeding €630 Billion
PARIS, 22 JANUARY 2026 (Thursday) – Malaysia reached a historic milestone in 2025 as its external trade surpassed EUR 630 billion (RM3.061 trillion) for the first time, totalling approximately EUR 631.7 billion, an increase of 6.3% year-on-year. Exports rose to a record EUR 331.7 billion (RM1.607 trillion), while imports expanded to EUR 300.3 billion (RM1.455 trillion), generating a trade surplus of around EUR 31.3 billion (RM151.80 billion), marking Malaysia’s 28th consecutive year of trade surplus since 1998.
This strong performance was achieved despite heightened global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and rising protectionist pressures, underscoring Malaysia’s resilience and its growing integration into high-value, technology-driven global value chains.
For France and the European Union, these results reaffirm Malaysia’s role as a reliable manufacturing and sourcing partner aligned with Europe’s industrial priorities. In 2025, Malaysia–EU total trade reached approximately EUR 47.1 billion (RM228.04 billion), while Malaysia’s exports to the EU increased to about EUR 26.7 billion (RM129.17 billion), marking the second consecutive year of export growth to the region.
H.E Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to France
“These record figures demonstrate Malaysia’s ability to remain competitive, innovative and open to trade even amid global headwinds,”said His Excellency Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to France. “For France and Europe, Malaysia represents a dependable partner to diversify supply chains, secure high-quality sourcing and build long-term industrial collaboration in strategic sectors.”
Export growth was driven primarily by manufactured goods, which accounted for 86.4% of total exports and reached their highest level to date. Electrical and electronic (E&E) products remained Malaysia’s leading export category, valued at approximately EUR 146.9 billion (RM711.61 billion), supported by strong global demand for semiconductors, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence and automation-related technologies. Other high-performing sectors included machinery, equipment and parts, optical and scientific instruments, as well as selected agri-based and processed food products.
Sébastien Chan Yik Sing, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris (MATRADE Paris)
“For French buyers and industrial players, these trends reflect a clear reality: Malaysia is already deeply embedded in global supply chains and is well positioned to meet Europe’s demand for components, equipment and high-value manufactured products,” said Sébastien Chan Yik Sing, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris (MATRADE Paris). “From Paris, our role is to translate these strong macroeconomic fundamentals into concrete outcomes, through sourcing partnerships, business matching and sustained engagement between French companies and Malaysian exporters.”
Malaysia’s extensive network of trade agreements further strengthens its attractiveness as a regional hub. To date, Malaysia has 17 bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in force. In 2025, trade with FTA partners exceeded EUR 413.8 billion (RM2.005 trillion) for the first time, enhancing market access, diversification and supply-chain resilience for international partners.
Malaysia’s improved competitiveness is also reflected in its rise to 23rd place in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, up from 34th in 2024, highlighting progress in economic reforms, investment climate and overall business performance.
MATRADE Paris, together with the Embassy of Malaysia, will continue to facilitate trade and partnerships through business matching programmes, buyer missions, trade fairs and sector-focused initiatives, ensuring that Malaysia’s strong trade performance translates into tangible opportunities for French, European and Malaysian businesses.
