Overview

In the third quarter of 2020, Malaysia’s Current Account Balance (CAB) recorded a higher surplus of RM26.1 billion driven by noteworthy performance in exports of goods and the surplus in secondary income. The larger surplus in CAB was mainly contributed by the higher net exports of goods at RM41.5 billion and also steered by the secondary income which recorded the first surplus at RM7.1 billion after continuous deficit since 1994. Exports of goods recorded RM204.9 billion as against RM165.2 billion in the previous quarter supported by exports of Electrical & electronic products, Petroleum and Palm oil based products. In addition, the secondary income posted higher receipts of RM14.3 billion due to transfer received as part of settlement from overseas.

Meanwhile, Financial account in this quarter consistently recorded a net outflow of RM35.2 billion as against RM19.8 billion in last quarter due to the higher outflow in portfolio investment. Such substantial outflow was coupled by higher subscriptions of non-residents portfolio and liquidation of equity securities by non-residents.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) showed a net outflow of RM0.8 billion this quarter after recording continuous inflow since 2010. The outflows were mainly to Netherlands, United Kingdom and Cayman Islands precisely in Manufacturing and Mining sectors. Direct Investment Abroad (DIA) fell to RM2.2 billion from RM3.5 billion due to lower investment in equity. The main sectors of DIA were Financial, Manufacturing and Information and communication channelled to Canada, Cayman Islands and United Kingdom.

The international reserves decreased to RM436.4 billion as compared to RM443.0 billion in the preceding quarter.

Download: Summary Table of Balance of Payments, Q3 2020  Quarterly Bulletin FDI and DIA, Q3 2020 

Released By:

DATO' SRI DR. MOHD UZIR MAHIDIN
CHIEF STATISTICIAN MALAYSIA
DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS, MALAYSIA
 DrUzir_Mahidin    Dr_Uzir

13 November 2020

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