Malaysia Import Reliance Index Dashboard

Malaysia Import Intelligence

Compare Malaysia’s major trade sectors by import reliance, including import value, import share, import orientation, trade balance, and calculated import reliance index using official Malaysia open data.

Latest Malaysia Import Reliance Index: March 2026

The figures below rank Malaysia’s major trade sectors by calculated import reliance.

Total Imports Across Listed Sectors RM 124,199,086,437 (RM 124.20 billion)

Highest Import Reliance Sector Machinery and Transport Equipment

Top Import Reliance Index 65.74/100

Top Sector Import Share 55.15%

Malaysia Sectors Ranked by Import Reliance Index

The cards below rank sectors using a calculated import reliance index. The index is for general comparison only and is not an official government rating.

Rank 1

Machinery and Transport Equipment

Import Reliance Index 65.74/100 — High Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 55.15%

Import Share of Sector Trade 45.98%

Rank 2

Food and Live Animals

Import Reliance Index 27.95/100 — Limited Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 5.35%

Import Share of Sector Trade 62.36%

Rank 3

Chemicals and Related Products

Import Reliance Index 24.98/100 — Limited Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 7.78%

Import Share of Sector Trade 54.53%

Rank 4

Commodities and Transactions Not Elsewhere Classified

Import Reliance Index 23.70/100 — Limited Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 2.81%

Import Share of Sector Trade 68.38%

Rank 5

Crude Materials, Inedible, Except Fuels

Import Reliance Index 21.67/100 — Limited Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 3.92%

Import Share of Sector Trade 59.27%

Rank 6

Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials

Import Reliance Index 17.28/100 — Low Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 8.89%

Import Share of Sector Trade 40.82%

Rank 7

Manufactured Goods Classified Chiefly by Material

Import Reliance Index 17.78/100 — Low Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 8.13%

Import Share of Sector Trade 47.19%

Rank 8

Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles

Import Reliance Index 13.38/100 — Low Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 6.79%

Import Share of Sector Trade 32.12%

Rank 9

Beverages and Tobacco

Import Reliance Index 11.00/100 — Low Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 0.21%

Import Share of Sector Trade 53.33%

Rank 10

Animal and Vegetable Oils, Fats and Waxes

Import Reliance Index 4.36/100 — Low Import Reliance

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)

Share of Listed Imports 0.96%

Import Share of Sector Trade 16.86%

Source: Official Malaysia open data from data.gov.my and the Department of Statistics Malaysia. The import reliance index is calculated from official sector trade figures for general comparison only and is not an official DOSM score. Recent figures may be provisional and subject to revision.

Understanding Malaysia Import Reliance Index

Malaysia’s import reliance index compares major trade sectors using import-related indicators. Instead of looking only at import value, this dashboard considers import value, share of total imports, import share within the sector, and trade balance.

A sector with a high import reliance index is not only active in imports, but also shows stronger dependence on imported goods compared with exports. This helps visitors distinguish between sectors that are simply large and sectors that are genuinely import-led.

Why Import Reliance Matters

Import reliance can reflect domestic demand, industrial input requirements, machinery needs, fuel demand, consumer demand, raw material requirements, or dependence on overseas suppliers. Import-led sectors may be more sensitive to freight costs, currency movement, supplier disruption, customs delays, and global supply conditions.

For logistics providers, import reliance can help identify sectors that may generate stronger inbound cargo activity, customs clearance demand, warehousing needs, inland transportation, inventory control, and distribution work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is import reliance index?

Import reliance index is a calculated comparison score based on import value, import share, import orientation, and trade balance.

Is this an official DOSM score?

No. The index is calculated from official DOSM data for general comparison only.

What does a higher score mean?

A higher score means the sector is more import-reliant compared with other listed sectors.

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.