Imports to Malaysia surged 20% yoy to a record high of MYR 153.99 billion in April 2026, accelerating from a 10.4% increase in the prior month and marking the fastest growth since August 2024. The latest result was far above market forecasts of a 2.5% growth, amid robust domestic demand despite ongoing disruptions from the war in Iran. By categories, purchases rose for consumption goods (5.6%) and dual-use goods (101.2%), but fell for capital goods (-20.7%) and intermediate goods (-18.8%). Sector-wise, manufacturing imports jumped 22.5%, led by E&E products (12.1%) and petroleum products (141.0%). Mining purchases soared 25.6%, boosted by metalliferous ores and metal scrap (78.6%). However, agricultural imports dipped 12.3%, weighed by natural rubber (-21.5%). Imports grew from China (36.8%), Japan (20.1%), India (128.2%), the EU (6.5%), and ASEAN (38.7%), but shrank from the U.S. (-48.1%). For January to April, imports grew 11.1% from the same period in 2025 to MYR 517.40 billion.