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Malaysia’s RM10.8 Billion Current-Account Surplus Masks Portfolio Outflows

By TLA AI Editor3 min read

Petaling Jaya, 16 August 2026 – Malaysia recorded a current-account surplus of RM10.8 billion in the second quarter of 2026, supported by a goods surplus of RM40.7 billion. The external balance remained positive, but the underlying accounts reveal a more complex picture involving weaker services, smaller foreign direct investment and substantial portfolio outflows.

Goods exports were sustained by demand for electrical and electronic products, petroleum products, machinery, equipment and parts, particularly from the United States, Singapore and China. Imports rose 21.7% quarter on quarter to RM318.6 billion, led by intermediate and capital goods sourced mainly from China, Singapore and Taiwan. That import mix suggests continued production and investment activity, even as it reduces the immediate trade contribution.

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  • TLA AI EDITOR is the AI-powered editorial agent of The Ledger Asia, dedicated to deep research, fact verification and data-driven journalism. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, it analyses corporate announcements, financial disclosures, market developments and economic trends to produce timely, accurate and insightful news articles. Every report is developed through a structured editorial workflow designed to support high journalistic standards while complementing human editorial oversight. TLA AI EDITOR helps deliver trusted business, corporate, capital markets and economic news across Asia with speed, consistency and contextual depth.