PUTRAJAYA: August 3, 2026 – Malaysia’s Sabah state recorded a trade surplus of RM9.9 billion in 2025, down 33.3% from the previous year, as exports fell while imports rose, according to official data released on the 30 July.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that Sabah’s total trade contracted by 2.1% to RM105.5 billion in 2025, though it remained above the RM100 billion threshold for the fourth consecutive year.
Exports declined by 5.9% to RM57.7 billion, while imports increased by 2.8% to RM47.8 billion, widening the gap between inbound and outbound trade flows.
Commodity performance
Crude petroleum remained Sabah’s dominant export, valued at RM17.1 billion and accounting for 29.7% of total exports, despite a 19.6% decline from 2024 levels.
Palm oil exports followed at RM16.8 billion (29.2% share), falling 2.9% year-on-year. Liquefied natural gas bucked the downward trend, rising 2.0% to RM4.6 billion.
On the import side, refined petroleum products (RM4.8 billion) and manufactured fertilizers (RM1.1 billion) were the main incoming goods.
Trading partners
Peninsular Malaysia remained Sabah’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching RM49.6 billion – representing 47.1% of the state’s overall trade.
China ranked second at RM10.4 billion, followed by Thailand (RM4.4 billion), the Republic of Korea (RM4.2 billion) and Japan (RM4.0 billion).
Exports to ASEAN countries totalled RM11.2 billion, a 4.2% decrease. The Philippines was the primary destination within the bloc, receiving RM3.9 billion or 34.5% of Sabah’s regional exports.
Sectoral breakdown
The mining sector continued to lead Sabah’s export economy, contributing RM23.2 billion or 40.2% of total exports. Agriculture followed at RM22.1 billion (38.3%), while manufacturing accounted for RM12.3 billion (21.3%).
By end-use category, intermediate goods represented the largest import segment at RM17.5 billion (36.7%), followed by consumption goods at RM15.6 billion (32.6%) and capital goods at RM7.3 billion (15.3%).
Despite global economic uncertainties and moderating demand for key commodities, DOSM noted that Sabah’s trade performance “continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience.”
The department is currently conducting the Economic Census 2026, running from January to October, which aims to collect comprehensive data from business establishments across Malaysia.
Source: Data from the Sabah External Trade Statistics 2025 publication includes trade figures for the Federal Territory of Labuan.
