Malaysia Import Dependence Dashboard

Explore which Malaysian trade sectors are most import-dependent by comparing import share, exports, imports, total trade, and trade balance using official Malaysia open data.

Latest Malaysia Import Dependence Ranking: March 2026

The figures below rank Malaysia’s major trade sectors by import share of total trade.

Latest Data Period March 2026

Most Import-Dependent Sector Commodities and Transactions Not Elsewhere Classified

Import Share of Top Sector 68.38%

Malaysia Sectors Ranked by Import Dependence

The cards below show which sectors are most import-dependent. Import dependence is calculated as imports divided by total trade.

Rank 1

Commodities and Transactions Not Elsewhere Classified

Import Dependence 68.38%

Imports RM 3,495,919,543 (RM 3.50 billion)

Exports RM 1,616,624,419 (RM 1.62 billion)

Total Trade RM 5,112,543,962 (RM 5.11 billion)

Trade Deficit RM -1,879,295,124 (RM -1.88 billion)

Rank 2

Food and Live Animals

Import Dependence 62.36%

Imports RM 6,641,395,675 (RM 6.64 billion)

Exports RM 4,008,837,738 (RM 4.01 billion)

Total Trade RM 10,650,233,413 (RM 10.65 billion)

Trade Deficit RM -2,632,557,937 (RM -2.63 billion)

Rank 3

Crude Materials, Inedible, Except Fuels

Import Dependence 59.27%

Imports RM 4,874,562,730 (RM 4.87 billion)

Exports RM 3,349,654,797 (RM 3.35 billion)

Total Trade RM 8,224,217,527 (RM 8.22 billion)

Trade Deficit RM -1,524,907,933 (RM -1.52 billion)

Rank 4

Chemicals and Related Products

Import Dependence 54.53%

Imports RM 9,662,122,873 (RM 9.66 billion)

Exports RM 8,056,602,553 (RM 8.06 billion)

Total Trade RM 17,718,725,426 (RM 17.72 billion)

Trade Deficit RM -1,605,520,320 (RM -1.61 billion)

Rank 5

Beverages and Tobacco

Import Dependence 53.33%

Imports RM 255,554,979 (RM 255.55 million)

Exports RM 223,670,990 (RM 223.67 million)

Total Trade RM 479,225,969 (RM 479.23 million)

Trade Deficit RM -31,883,989 (RM -31.88 million)

Rank 6

Manufactured Goods Classified Chiefly by Material

Import Dependence 47.19%

Imports RM 10,101,180,058 (RM 10.10 billion)

Exports RM 11,302,933,756 (RM 11.30 billion)

Total Trade RM 21,404,113,814 (RM 21.40 billion)

Trade Surplus RM 1,201,753,698 (RM 1.20 billion)

Rank 7

Machinery and Transport Equipment

Import Dependence 45.98%

Imports RM 68,501,913,346 (RM 68.50 billion)

Exports RM 80,492,049,894 (RM 80.49 billion)

Total Trade RM 148,993,963,240 (RM 148.99 billion)

Trade Surplus RM 11,990,136,548 (RM 11.99 billion)

Rank 8

Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials

Import Dependence 40.82%

Imports RM 11,046,014,791 (RM 11.05 billion)

Exports RM 16,011,233,441 (RM 16.01 billion)

Total Trade RM 27,057,248,232 (RM 27.06 billion)

Trade Surplus RM 4,965,218,650 (RM 4.97 billion)

Rank 9

Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles

Import Dependence 32.12%

Imports RM 8,429,470,610 (RM 8.43 billion)

Exports RM 17,817,880,070 (RM 17.82 billion)

Total Trade RM 26,247,350,680 (RM 26.25 billion)

Trade Surplus RM 9,388,409,460 (RM 9.39 billion)

Rank 10

Animal and Vegetable Oils, Fats and Waxes

Import Dependence 16.86%

Imports RM 1,190,951,832 (RM 1.19 billion)

Exports RM 5,872,816,498 (RM 5.87 billion)

Total Trade RM 7,063,768,330 (RM 7.06 billion)

Trade Surplus RM 4,681,864,666 (RM 4.68 billion)

Source: Official Malaysia open data from data.gov.my and the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Figures are grouped by Standard International Trade Classification sections. Recent figures may be provisional and subject to revision.

Understanding Malaysia’s Import Dependence by Sector

Import dependence shows how much of a sector’s total trade comes from imports. A sector with a high import share is more dependent on goods entering Malaysia from overseas markets, while a sector with a lower import share may be more export-driven or more balanced between exports and imports.

This dashboard ranks Malaysia’s major trade sectors by import share. It helps visitors understand which sectors rely more heavily on imported goods, materials, machinery, fuels, components, consumer products, or industrial inputs.

Import dependence does not automatically mean weakness. Many industries import raw materials, machinery, chemicals, components, and equipment because these goods are needed for production, processing, assembly, infrastructure development, or domestic consumption.

Why Import Dependence Matters

Import-dependent sectors may be more exposed to exchange rate movements, freight costs, overseas supply conditions, shipping delays, customs requirements, and global market changes. Businesses that operate in import-heavy sectors often need strong procurement planning, supplier management, warehousing, and logistics coordination.

For logistics providers, import dependence can indicate where inbound cargo movement may be concentrated. Import-heavy sectors may require customs clearance, container unloading, bonded warehousing, inland transport, storage, repacking, distribution, and inventory control.

How Businesses Can Use This Dashboard

Importers can use this dashboard to understand which sectors show stronger import activity. Manufacturers can monitor sectors that depend on overseas inputs. Procurement teams can use the information as a general reference when reviewing supply chain exposure and sourcing conditions.

For businesses involved in freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, packaging, bulk liquid logistics, or industrial supply chains, import dependence data can help provide a broader picture of inbound trade movement in Malaysia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does import dependence mean?

Import dependence means the percentage of a sector’s total trade that comes from imports.

How is import share calculated?

Import share is calculated as imports divided by total trade, multiplied by 100.

Is a high import share bad?

Not necessarily. A high import share may reflect strong domestic demand, manufacturing input requirements, machinery investment, energy demand, or the need for imported materials and components.

How often is the data updated?

The official trade data is generally updated monthly. Recent figures may be provisional and subject to revision.

Data Notice:
The figures displayed on this page are based on official Malaysia open data and are provided for general information and reference. Recent figures may be provisional and subject to revision by the official data provider.