Malaysia's service trade achieves record surplus in 2025

Malaysia's service trade has achieved a historic milestone, posting a net surplus of RM5.3 billion in 2025 and breaking a prolonged deficit trend that had persisted since 2011. This significant turnaround is attributed to robust double-digit growth in the nation's total service trade, which surged by 11.5% to reach RM550.5 billion, up from RM493.6 billion in the previous year.

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Service exports grew substantially by 15.6% to RM277.9 billion in 2025. This growth was supported by increased receipts, particularly in travel, telecommunications, computer and information services, and other business services. Imports of services, on the other hand, recorded a more moderate increase of 7.7% to RM272.6 billion compared to RM253.1 billion in 2024.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin highlighted that the surge in exports significantly outpaced imports. "Service exports grew substantially by 15.6% to RM277.9 billion in 2025. This growth was supported by increased receipts, particularly in travel, telecommunications, computer and information services, and other business services," he stated. "Imports of services, on the other hand, recorded a more moderate increase of 7.7% to RM272.6 billion compared to RM253.1 billion in 2024."

The travel component continues to be the backbone of service exports, accounting for 39.8% of the total. It reached a record RM110.6 billion, a 16.0% year-on-year increase. This growth aligns with a substantial rise in international visitor arrivals to Malaysia, which totaled 42.2 million. A significant portion of these arrivals were for personal reasons, with spending concentrated on shopping, accommodation, and food and beverages.

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The component recorded the highest export value in history, amounting to RM110.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16.0%. This is in line with the increase in international visitor arrivals to Malaysia, which reached 42.2 million people.

Furthermore, the expansion of Malaysia's digital economy has boosted the trade balance for telecommunications, computer, and information services, contributing a surplus of RM2.3 billion. This performance is fueled by e-commerce growth, remote services, and significant investments in digital infrastructure. Singapore remains Malaysia's primary trading partner for services, with exports valued at RM76.3 billion, followed by the United States (RM42.9 billion) and China (RM27.8 billion).

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The development of the country's digital economy has also boosted the trade balance for telecommunications, computer, and information services by RM2.3 billion.