Exports Surge on Strong E&E Demand as Trade Growth Accelerates

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14, 2026 — Malaysia’s external trade continued its strong momentum in June 2026, recording its 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth, supported by robust demand for electrical and electronic (E&E) products and resilient global technology exports.

Total trade expanded 44.7 per cent year-on-year, an improvement from the 29.8 per cent growth recorded in May. Exports climbed 45.3 per cent, marking their strongest performance in nearly four years, while imports surged 43.9 per cent, the fastest pace since February 2022.

Exports Surge

E&E products remained the largest contributor to export growth, accounting for more than half of the increase with a 25.3 percentage-point contribution. Other manufactured goods also posted healthy gains, alongside crude and refined petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and optical and scientific equipment, reflecting broad-based strength across Malaysia’s export sectors.

By destination, exports to the United States more than doubled, rising 108.6 per cent year-on-year, extending a trend of exceptional growth in recent months. Shipments to Singapore accelerated 47.6 per cent, while exports to China increased 36.1 per cent. Exports to Japan also strengthened to 45.9 per cent, and shipments to Taiwan remained robust despite moderating to 44.7 per cent.

Analysts expect Malaysia’s export performance to remain resilient throughout 2026, forecasting export growth of 18.9 per cent compared with 6.6 per cent last year. The outlook is underpinned by sustained global demand for technology products and stronger commodity-related exports, particularly petroleum products and LNG.

Import growth

Import growth is also projected to strengthen to 13 per cent this year from 6.0 per cent in 2025, supported by expanding domestic economic activity and business investment.

However, risks remain, including potential supply chain disruptions, elevated production costs, inflationary pressures, softer external demand and the possibility of tighter international trade regulations, particularly from the United States, which could affect Malaysia’s export outlook in the months ahead.

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