The global artificial intelligence boom has boosted electronics shipments from Southeast Asian technology hubs, pushing their overall exports to historic highs despite the supply chain shock emanating from the Middle East.
According to data released on May 20 by Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the country’s exports of electrical and electronic goods in April climbed 46.4% year-on-year to a record MYR 88.16 billion (USD 22.2 billion).
The spike was “primarily supported by strong demand from the artificial intelligence and automotive electronics segments,” the ministry said in its statement.
Malaysia is known for semiconductor packaging processes. With the electrical and electronics segment accounting for 48% of its total exports, overall shipments jumped 36.9% year-on-year, the fastest pace of growth in nearly four years, to MYR 182.74 billion (USD 46.1 billion), a record for any month.
Since the US war with Iran broke out in late February, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up oil prices, clouding global logistics. But the latest trade data suggests the recent technology upcycle, which has already benefitted leading chipmakers, is outweighing the impact of the Middle East shock.
