Main imports of Malaysia: Malaysia's Top Trade Partners & Import Products
Discover Malaysia's top import products, leading trade partners, and key import trends. Get insights into Malaysia's import industry, trade data, and major imports.

Malaysia is a vibrant country known for its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and bustling trade industry. As a key player in the global market, Malaysia relies heavily on imports to meet the demands of its growing economy. According to Malaysia import data, Malaysia’s goods imports accounted for a total value of $265.97 billion in 2023-24, a 10% decline from the previous year. As per Malaysia shipment data, Malaysia imported goods worth $248.37 billion in the first 10 months of 2024, a 13% increase from the same time in the previous year. Malaysia is ranked as the 25th biggest importer in the world as per the global trade data. In this article, we will delve into Malaysia's main imports, its top trade partners, and the key import products that drive the country's economy.
List of Malaysia's Top Import Products: Main Imports of Malaysia
Malaysia's top import products encompass a diverse range of goods that drive the country's economy and trade relationships. The main imports of Malaysia include electronics, machinery, chemicals, and petroleum products. Malaysia’s top 10 goods have a total import value of $194.26 billion. These products play a vital role in shaping Malaysia's import market and contribute significantly to its industrial sector. Malaysia's top 10 imports, as per the Malaysia import data and Malaysia trade data for 2023-24, include:
- Electrical machinery and equipment: $72.88 billion (27.4%)
Electrical machinery and equipment have emerged as the primary import products for Malaysia, with a total value of $72.88 billion, accounting for 27.4% of the country's total imports. This category includes a variety of goods, such as telecommunication equipment, computers, and electrical appliances.
- Mineral fuels and oils: $50.83 billion (19.11%)
Mineral fuels and oils are the second-largest imports for Malaysia, amounting to $50.83 billion, representing 19.11% of the total import value. Malaysia heavily relies on imported fuels to meet its energy demands and fuel its industries.
- Nuclear reactors and machinery: $25.28 billion (9.51%)
Nuclear reactors and machinery hold the third position in Malaysia's list of top import products, with a value of $25.28 billion, contributing 9.51% to the total imports. This category includes components for power plants and industrial machinery.
- Plastics and articles thereof: $8.48 billion (3.19%)
Plastics and articles thereof are essential imports for Malaysia, with a total value of $8.48 billion, making up 3.19% of the country's total imports. These products are widely used in various sectors such as packaging, construction, and automotive.
- Vehicles: $8.25 billion (3.1%)
Vehicles hold a significant share in Malaysia's import market, with a total value of $8.25 billion, accounting for 3.1% of the total imports. Malaysia imports a range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to meet the demands of its growing population.
- Optical, medical, and surgical instruments: $6.66 billion (2.51%)
Optical, medical, and surgical instruments are crucial imports for Malaysia, with a total value of $6.66 billion, contributing 2.51% to the country's total imports. These products are essential for the healthcare sector and scientific research.
- Iron and steel: $5.95 billion (2.24%)
Iron and steel products are vital imports for Malaysia, with a total value of $5.95 billion, accounting for 2.24% of the total imports. These materials are extensively used in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
- Miscellaneous chemical products: $5.70 billion (2.15%)
Miscellaneous chemical products also play a significant role in Malaysia's import market, with a total value of $5.70 billion, contributing 2.15% to the total imports. These products include chemicals for various industries like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles.
- Aluminum and articles thereof: $5.15 billion (1.94%)
Aluminum and articles thereof are essential imports for Malaysia, with a total value of $5.15 billion, making up 1.94% of the country's total imports. Aluminum is widely used in construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.
- Precious stones and metals: $5.08 billion (1.91%)
Precious stones and metals form a niche category in Malaysia's import market, with a total value of $5.08 billion, contributing 1.91% to the country's total imports. These products include diamonds, gold, and other valuable metals used in jewelry and luxury goods.
Malaysia's Top Trade Partners for Imports: Malaysia Imports by Country
When it comes to Malaysia's top trade partners for imports, you bet Malaysia Import Data by Country speaks volumes! Malaysia has strategically built strong relationships with countries like China, Japan, and the United States to fuel its import economy. They consistently rank high on the list, contributing significantly to Malaysia's imports of machinery, electronics, and petroleum products. Malaysia's top 10 import partners, as per Malaysia shipment data and Malaysia bill of lading data for 2023-24, include:
- China: $56.77 billion (21.3%)
Leading the pack as Malaysia's top import partner is China, with a total import value of $56.77 billion, accounting for 21.3% of Malaysia's total imports. China's strong manufacturing sector and diverse product offerings make it a key player in Malaysia's import landscape.
- Singapore: $31.56 billion (11.9%)
Singapore comes in at second place, with a total import value of $31.56 billion, representing 11.9% of Malaysia's total imports. As a close neighbor and key trading partner, Singapore plays a crucial role in Malaysia's import and export activities.
- USA: $19.55 billion (7.4%)
The United States is another significant import partner for Malaysia, with a total import value of $19.55 billion, accounting for 7.4% of Malaysia's total imports, as per US export data. With its diverse range of products and strong economic presence, the USA continues to be a major player in Malaysia's import market.
- Taiwan: $18.39 billion (6.9%)
Taiwan ranks fourth on the list of Malaysia's top import partners, with a total import value of $18.39 billion, representing 6.9% of Malaysia's total imports. Taiwan's advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities make it a valuable import partner for Malaysia.
- Japan: $15.57 billion (5.9%)
Japan holds the fifth position as one of Malaysia's top import partners, with a total import value of $15.57 billion, accounting for 5.9% of Malaysia's total imports. Japan's high-quality products and technological expertise continue to drive import activity between the two countries.
- Indonesia: $13.23 billion (5%)
Indonesia is another key import partner for Malaysia, with a total import value of $13.23 billion, representing 5% of Malaysia's total imports, as per Indonesia customs export data. The proximity and strong economic ties between Malaysia and Indonesia make it a natural trading partner.
- South Korea: $12.11 billion (4.6%)
South Korea ranks seventh on the list of Malaysia's top import partners, with a total import value of $12.11 billion, accounting for 4.6% of Malaysia's total imports. South Korea's innovation and technological advancements make it an important import source for Malaysia.
- Thailand: $11.95 billion (4.5%)
Thailand is a significant import partner for Malaysia, with a total import value of $11.95 billion, representing 4.5% of Malaysia's total imports. The strong cultural and economic ties between Malaysia and Thailand drive import activity between the two countries.
- Saudi Arabia: $9.58 billion (3.6%)
Saudi Arabia holds the ninth position as one of Malaysia's top import partners, with a total import value of $9.58 billion, accounting for 3.6% of Malaysia's total imports. Saudi Arabia's oil and petrochemical products are major contributors to Malaysia's import portfolio.
- Australia: $7.62 billion (2.9%)
Australia rounds out the list of Malaysia's top import partners, with a total import value of $7.62 billion, representing 2.9% of Malaysia's total imports. Australia's agricultural products, minerals, and natural resources play a key role in Malaysia's import trade market.
Malaysia Import Data in the Last 10 Years: Yearly Malaysia Trade Data
Year of Imports |
Total import value ($) |
Global import share (%) |
---|---|---|
2014 |
$208.82 billion |
1.1% |
2015 |
$176.60 billion |
1.1% |
2016 |
$168.78 billion |
1% |
2017 |
$195.08 billion |
1.1% |
2018 |
$217.66 billion |
1.1% |
2019 |
$204.98 billion |
1.1% |
2020 |
$189.55 billion |
1.1% |
2021 |
$238.32 billion |
1.1% |
2022 |
$295.09 billion |
1.2% |
2023 |
$265.97 billion |
1.1% |
2024 (10 months) |
$248.37 billion |
1.2% |
Understanding Malaysia's Import Industry
Malaysia's import industry plays a crucial role in fueling its economic growth and development. The country imports a wide range of products and commodities to meet the needs of its consumers, businesses, and industries, as per Malaysia trade statistics. From electronic goods to machinery, Malaysia imports a diverse array of products from countries around the world. As far as Malaysia's goods imports in industry segmentation are concerned, Malaysia's trade records and import statistics for 2024 indicate that:
- Intermediate goods: Increased by 12.7% in 2024
- Consumption goods: Increased by 3.5% in 2024
- Capital goods: Fell by 10% in 2024
- Manufacturing: Increased by 2.2% in 2024
- Agriculture: Increased by 21.2% in 2024
- Mining: Decreased by 19.3% in 2024
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malaysia's import industry is a vital component of its economy, supporting the growth and development of key industries. With strong trade relationships with countries such as China, Singapore, and the United States, Malaysia continues to import a diverse range of products to meet the needs of its consumers and businesses. By understanding Malaysia's main imports, top trade partners, and key import products, we gain insight into the dynamic and evolving nature of Malaysia's import industry.
To know more about the latest Malaysia import data and exclusive market trends, visit TradeImeX. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in and get a list of the top Malaysian importers & buyers with our Malaysia Importers Database.
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