Malaysia sets export record of RM1.57 trillion for January–September

Malaysia’s exports climbed 34 per cent year-on-year to a record RM1.57 trillion during January–September 2026. Electrical and electronics products led the gains, alongside rising demand from non-traditional markets.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) put overall trade for the period at RM2.91 trillion, a 30.1 per cent increase. Imports reached RM1.34 trillion after growing 25.7 per cent, with the trade surplus standing at RM232.38 billion.

Electrical and electronics shipments contributed RM253.88 billion to the export increase as artificial intelligence and digital technology adoption supported global demand. Other sources of growth included petroleum products, machinery, optical and scientific equipment, and liquefied natural gas. Oleochemicals were among the downstream palm oil-based manufactured goods recording double-digit growth.

Putra Business School professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff cautioned that the headline figures did not establish the underlying strength of exports. He said detailed volume and unit-value data were needed to distinguish between increased shipments, higher prices and a shift towards higher-value goods.

For 2027, Ahmed Razman expects slower export growth as global demand normalises and the comparison base becomes higher. He warned that weaker technology investment could affect electronics exports. Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams took a more positive view, expecting continued strength on the back of external demand, higher prices and increased shipment volumes.

Non-traditional destinations across Africa, Central Asia, South Asia and Latin America accounted for RM136.36 billion in exports, a 21.5 per cent rise. Separately, exports to Malaysia’s free trade agreement partners grew 25.8 per cent to RM986.38 billion, equivalent to 62.8 per cent of total exports.