Malaysia’s trade surplus increased to MYR 13.2 billion in August 2020 from MYR 10.9 billion in the same month a year ago, but below market expectations of MYR 17.9 billion, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Exports dropped 2.9 percent, led by lower sales of mining sectors, agriculture and manufactured goods. Imports declined at a faster 6.5 percent as purchases of both intermediate and capital goods fell. Considering the first eight months of 2020, the trade surplus was MYR 102.9 billion, as exports were down 5.8 percent from a year earlier to MYR 620.6 billion, while imports fell 7.3 percent to MYR 517.7 billion
