Malaysia’s 2Q26 GDP Surges 6.0% on Net Export Boom

Malaysia’s economy expanded 6.0% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, beating both the advance estimate and Bloomberg consensus of 5.8%. The stronger-than-expected reading marked an acceleration from 5.4% in the previous quarter and delivered the strongest sequential growth since mid-2022, with seasonally adjusted GDP rising 2.5% quarter-on-quarter.

GDP

Net exports were the clear standout, contributing 2.4 percentage points to headline growth. Real exports jumped 17.0% on robust electrical and electronics, petroleum products, tourism and ICT services shipments, while imports rose 13.9% on firmer intermediate goods demand. The result was a sharp 168.5% surge in net exports.

Manufacturing accelerated to 7.3% and mining rebounded 9.2%, lifting overall output. Services also surprised on the upside at 5.9%. Private consumption held steady at 4.8%, supported by a resilient labour market, even as total investment moderated.

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