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The twenty imports Malaysia is best placed to replace.

Malaysia imported USD 229bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 282bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 10bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
531products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
711products Malaysia already exports well
1756product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Malaysia already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Malaysia would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Malaysia does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Communication apparatus: parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kindsHS 851779

    Comes fromChina 85%, 66 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether... (exports USD 45bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.1bn; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 2.6bn
    Countries that export it well8

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 1.3bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 13 per cent (2); China supplies 85 per cent (2).

    USD 1.3bnup 186% on 2022
  2. 2

    Flat panel display modules, whether or not incorporating touch-sensitive screens: of liquid crystals, with drivers or...HS 852491

    Comes fromChina 88%, 39 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether... (exports USD 45bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 116m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 384m
    Countries that export it well6

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 425m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 18 per cent (2); China supplies 88 per cent (2).

    USD 425mdown 10% on 2022
  3. 3

    Turbines: parts of turbo-jets and turbo-propellersHS 841191

    Comes fromUnited States 67%, 47 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachinery: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases... (exports USD 7.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 456m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 1.4bn
    Countries that export it well12

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.2bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); United States supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 1.2bnfrom USD 181m in 2022
  4. 4

    Sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter, not containing...HS 170114

    Comes fromBrazil 80%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: n.e.c. in heading no. 1702, including invert sugar and other... (exports USD 76m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 560k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 148m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 970m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 30 per cent (1); Brazil supplies 80 per cent (2).

    USD 970mup 27% on 2022
  5. 5

    Vehicles: with only electric motor for propulsionHS 870380

    Comes fromChina 71%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCycles: parts thereof, brakes, including coaster braking hubs and... (exports USD 241m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 1.2bn
    Countries that export it well10

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 929m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); China supplies 71 per cent (2).

    USD 929mup 376% on 2022
  6. 6

    Aluminium oxide: other than artificial corundumHS 281820

    Comes fromIndonesia 68%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCompounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth... (exports USD 387m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 705k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 24m
    Countries that export it well10

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 839m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Indonesia supplies 68 per cent (2).

    USD 839mup 0% on 2022
  7. 7

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectorsHS 854442

    Comes fromChina 60%, 89 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether... (exports USD 45bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 348m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 571m
    Countries that export it well25

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 647m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); China supplies 60 per cent (2).

    USD 647mup 34% on 2022
  8. 8

    Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboardHS 470710

    Comes fromUnited States 61%, 34 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPulp: of fibres derived from recovered (waste and scrap) paper or... (exports USD 363m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 135m
    Countries that export it well51

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 635m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); United States supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 635mup 63% on 2022
  9. 9

    Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, rectangular (including square)HS 760612

    Comes fromChina 67%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: unwrought, alloys (exports USD 2.6bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 64m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 81m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 429m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); China supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 429mdown 12% on 2022
  10. 10

    Copper: foil, backed with paper, paperboard, plastics or similar backing material, of a thickness (excluding any...HS 741022

    Comes fromUnited States 41%, 83 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCopper: waste and scrap (exports USD 767m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 11m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 60m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 390m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); United States supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 390mup 447% on 2022
  11. 11

    Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952

    Comes fromChina 51%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachinery: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases... (exports USD 7.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 129m
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 353m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); China supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 353mdown 4% on 2022
  12. 12

    Products containing nicotine, other than tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, intended for inhalation without combustionHS 240412

    Comes fromChina 99%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTobacco: homogenised or reconstituted (exports USD 48m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 27m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 16m
    Countries that export it well8

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 333m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); China supplies 99 per cent (2).

    USD 333mup 17% on 2022
  13. 13

    Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel...HS 850213

    Comes fromChina 85%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether... (exports USD 45bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 17m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 93m
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 319m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); China supplies 85 per cent (2).

    USD 319mup 451% on 2022
  14. 14

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromChina 83%, 55 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: stranded wire, ropes and cables, not electrically... (exports USD 222m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 426m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 103m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 316m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); China supplies 83 per cent (2).

    USD 316mdown 40% on 2022
  15. 15

    Rubber: natural (excluding latex, technically specified natural rubber and smoked sheets), in primary forms or in...HS 400129

    Comes fromPhilippines 32%, 30 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRubber: vulcanised (other than hard rubber), gloves, of a kind used... (exports USD 2.2bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 6m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 194m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 275m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 7 per cent (3).

    USD 275mdown 50% on 2022
  16. 16

    Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale)...HS 950300

    Comes fromChina 86%, 81 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFishing reels (exports USD 186m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 284m
    Countries that export it well12

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 272m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); China supplies 86 per cent (2).

    USD 272mdown 11% on 2022
  17. 17

    Salts of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids: n.e.c. in heading no. 2841HS 284190

    Comes fromSouth Korea 84%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCompounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth... (exports USD 387m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m
    Countries that export it well3

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 265m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); South Korea supplies 84 per cent (2).

    USD 265mdown 28% on 2022
  18. 18

    Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6402, (other than just covering the ankle), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...HS 640299

    Comes fromChina 62%, 62 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFootwear: waterproof with metal toe-cap, rubber or plastic outer... (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 29m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 76m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 211m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); China supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 211mup 20% on 2022
  19. 19

    Compressors: of a kind used in refrigerating equipmentHS 841430

    Comes fromChina 67%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachinery: parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases... (exports USD 7.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 83m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 798m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 199m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); China supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 199mdown 4% on 2022
  20. 20

    Electrical resistors: variable, including rheostats and potentiometers (excluding heating)HS 853340

    Comes fromSingapore 62%, 52 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether... (exports USD 45bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 116m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Malaysia's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); Singapore supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 116mup 14% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Malaysia already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Electronic integrated circuits: memories imports USD 10bn, exports USD 5.2bn, top source Singapore 35%
  • Parts of electronic integrated circuits imports USD 4.7bn, exports USD 2.0bn, top source United States 26%
  • Circuits: printed imports USD 2.6bn, exports USD 960m, top source China 45%
  • Units of automatic data processing machines: n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50... imports USD 2.8bn, exports USD 2.1bn, top source Taiwan 41%
  • Chemical elements: doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers... imports USD 943m, exports USD 337m, top source China 24%
  • Rubber: natural rubber latex, whether or not pre-vulcanised, in primary forms... imports USD 590m, exports USD 60m, top source Thailand 80%
  • Rubber: synthetic, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), latex, in primary... imports USD 492m, exports USD 67m, top source South Korea 66%
  • Vessels: light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the... imports USD 536m, exports USD 140m, top source Thailand 69%
  • Electrical apparatus: parts for diodes, transistors and similar semiconductor... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 745m, top source Singapore 21%
  • Pharmaceutical goods: placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial... imports USD 466m, exports USD 97m, top source India 18%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1756 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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