Malaysia’s Exports Surge 31.2 Percent to RM1.36 Trillion in First Eight Months of 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Malaysia’s export sector achieved a major milestone as total exports surged 31.2 percent year-on-year to RM1.356 trillion in the January-August 2026 period compared to RM1.033 trillion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The strong eight-month performance allowed national exports to officially surpass the total full-year export values recorded in 2025. Shipments reached 40 international destinations, including major developed markets such as the United States, France, and Ireland.

In a statement, MATRADE highlighted significant momentum in emerging markets, led by remarkable growth in African nations. Exports to Namibia saw a massive increase of 430.6 percent, followed by Angola (+215.4 percent), Ethiopia (+51.2 percent), Tanzania (+50.2 percent), and Bangladesh (+20.2 percent). MATRADE noted that exports to Ethiopia have already surpassed their full-year total for 2025, underscoring deeper market penetration and the rising potential of non-traditional markets in supporting Malaysia’s trade diversification strategy.

Malaysia’s trade with major global economic blocs also expanded rapidly. Deliveries to BRICS member states grew 19.1 percent to RM251.47 billion, driven by double-digit export gains across key markets including South Africa (+43.4 percent), Brazil (+27.5 percent), China (+23.7 percent), and India (+23.4 percent).

While electrical and electronic (E&E) products maintained their role as a core export pillar, MATRADE reported robust expansion across a broader spectrum of industries. Optical and scientific equipment led non-E&E export growth with a 37.6 percent increase, followed by petroleum products (+26.6 percent), metal manufactures (+21.6 percent), machinery, appliances, and parts (+18.4 percent), and liquefied natural gas (+17.2 percent).

The palm oil-based manufacturing segment also registered solid growth, driven by a 12.6 percent rise in oleochemical exports. MATRADE highlighted that Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) played a crucial role in expanding this downstream segment, helping to strengthen value-added exports beyond electronics.

MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof stated that the historic export figures demonstrate that the nation’s strategic shift toward market and product diversification over recent years is yielding tangible results amid global supply chain shifts.

Abu Bakar emphasized that the current trade landscape highlights the structural agility and resilience of Malaysian exporters, particularly MSMEs, in navigating and mitigating international economic uncertainties. He added that MATRADE will continue to enhance market access through integrated, customized exporter capacity-building initiatives backed by a whole-of-government framework and private sector partnerships.

Looking forward, the trade promotion agency will intensify its promotional activities domestically and globally to highlight Malaysian commercial capabilities. This includes hosting the flagship Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), recognized as the world’s largest halal trade exhibition, scheduled to take place from September 23 to 26, 2026.

–NMT