KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20, 2026 — Malaysia kicked off 2026 with a robust performance in international trade, as total trade expanded by 12.6 per cent year-on-year to RM272.37 billion in January — the highest recorded value for the month, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
MITI highlighted that both exports and imports saw healthy growth, contributing to a sustained trade surplus that has now been recorded for the 69th consecutive month since May 2020, totalling RM21.37 billion.
Exports continue strong momentum
Malaysia’s exports rose 19.6 per cent year-on-year to RM146.87 billion, marking the seventh consecutive month of double-digit export growth. The impressive performance was primarily driven by strong demand for manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic (E&E) products, which climbed 39.5 per cent — adding nearly RM20 billion in export value.
Other key contributors included higher shipments of optical and scientific equipment, as well as machinery, equipment, and parts — all of which reflected resilient global demand for Malaysia’s industrial output.
Broad-based export expansion
Exports to all major trading partners increased during the month. Countries such as China, the United States, Taiwan, and the European Union recorded strong double-digit export growth, while demand from ASEAN markets grew at a more moderate pace. In addition, exports to several Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners — including Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, India, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand — also expanded significantly. Exports to Taiwan and Hong Kong reached their highest monthly values to date in January.
Imports rise with trade activity
Imports increased by 5.3 per cent to RM125.50 billion, reflecting sustained domestic demand for intermediate and capital goods used in production and trade. The rise in imports also mirrored the broader expansion of manufacturing and industrial activity across Malaysia.
🇲🇾 Strategic initiatives to sustain growth
In a related statement, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) said it will continue efforts to enhance the nation’s global export competitiveness. Matrade CEO Abu Bakar Yusof noted that the agency plans to implement exporter development programmes, trade missions, international business matching sessions and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts are aimed at empowering more than 13,400 Malaysian companies to expand into and sustain their presence in global markets.
The agency also emphasised the importance of utilising Malaysia’s network of 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to strengthen market access and drive future export growth.
📈 Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance’s Economic Outlook 2026 projects Malaysia’s export growth to expand by 2.8 per cent for the full year, buoyed by stable demand in the global technology market — particularly for high-value electronic goods — which is expected to act as a primary catalyst for continued trade performance.
Overall, January’s trade figures underscore Malaysia’s resilience amid global uncertainties and highlight the country’s competitive positioning within international trade, especially in high-value manufacturing sectors.
