China-Malaysia Trade 2026: The Definitive Outlook

Total trade between the regions shows a strong upward trajectory, growing from $130.7 billion in 2020 to over $203 billion in 2024. Despite a minor contraction in 2023, the 2024 figures represent a significant recovery and a new five-year high, indicating robust and expanding economic cooperation.

Trade volumes for both exports and imports reached their five-year peak in 2024. Imports consistently outpace exports, with 2024 recording $110.6 billion and $92.5 billion respectively. This trend highlights a persistent trade deficit while demonstrating a high level of mutual market dependency and increasing transaction values.

The bilateral trade market demonstrates strong momentum with a growth rate of 11.64%. This double-digit expansion reflects a healthy and accelerating economic partnership, suggesting significant opportunities for stakeholders and a positive outlook for future trade activities between the two nations.

Import activity is heavily concentrated in high-tech components and energy. Smart cards lead with a value of $7.57 billion, followed by mobile devices ($3.11B) and petroleum ether ($2.59B). The data underscores a significant reliance on electronics and specialized industrial inputs within the import profile.