Malaysia and Singapore exports surge on AI boom, defying Mideast shock
Malaysia and Singapore have posted strong export numbers driven by the AI boom, defying the broader Mideast shock and Iran war volatility. Semiconductor and electronics shipments are pushing the readings above forecasts and underline the share of the global technology cycle landing in ASEAN.
Singapore's exports grew at strong single-digit rates in recent months, with electronics components, integrated circuits and data-centre equipment showing particularly strong demand. In Malaysia, semiconductor packaging facilities are running at high utilisation. Logistics firms confirm that AI-related container flows are rising.
The Strait of Hormuz uncertainty triggered by the Iran war has lifted shipping costs and insurance premiums, but ASEAN exporters have largely held volumes. Economy ministers said they had strengthened port pre-booking systems to manage logistical disruption. Supply-chain diversification driven by US-China tensions continues to shift trade towards ASEAN.
Investors said the cycle is being fed by AI capacity expansion at Nvidia and other hyperscalers. The Monetary Authority of Singapore described the growth as broad-based but said it would stay vigilant against global risks. Malaysia is planning fresh incentives to reinforce the national semiconductor roadmap announced earlier.
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