Trade Surplus Doubles as Exports Surge Past RM1 Trillion

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22, 2026 – Malaysia’s total trade hit RM2.16 trillion in the first seven months of 2026, expanding 24.7 per cent year-on-year, driven by strong export demand, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Exports rose 29.2 per cent to RM1.165 trillion, while imports increased 19.8 per cent to RM994.71 billion. The trade surplus more than doubled to RM170.5 billion, compared with RM71.42 billion in the same period last year. MATRADE said this marked the strongest performance ever recorded for January-July, with exports crossing RM1 trillion faster than in 2025.

Trade Surplus

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) continued to strengthen their role, contributing RM214.5 billion in exports last year, with food and beverages, automotive, pharmaceuticals, metal furniture, and palm oil-based products showing double-digit growth in 2026.

Key trading partners driving demand included the United States (+58.3%), ASEAN (+20.3%), Taiwan (+71.4%), Hong Kong (+49.8%), China (+24.3%), and the European Union (+29.8%). Exports to non-traditional markets in Africa and Central Asia also surged, with Zimbabwe, Sudan, Angola, and Congo posting triple-digit growth.

MATRADE CEO Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said the agency is focusing on empowering MSMEs and mid-tier firms to integrate into global supply chains, ensuring broad-based expansion.

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