KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade outlook for 2026 remains positive, underpinned by resilient domestic demand and stronger tourism momentum following a record RM3.06 trillion trade performance in 2025.
In 2026, Malaysia’s economy is projected to grow between 4% and 4.5%, supported by resilient domestic demand and robust tourism for Visit Malaysia 2026.
“To sustain this momentum, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will organise 18 major trade fairs, including participation in prestigious events like Farnborough International Airshow and SEMICON West for aerospace and E&E industries,” Matrade said in a statement.
Additionally, Matrade announced the inaugural National Export Award, scheduled for April 10, 2026, to honour the outstanding contributions of Malaysian exporters.
“Looking ahead, Miti and Matrade will continue to focus on trade diversification, export development and digitalisation, in line with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the MADANI Economy Framework, to capitalise on the strong performance achieved in 2025 and shape new trade opportunities in 2026 and beyond,” Matrade said.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), together with Matrade hosted an Open Day today following the announcement of Malaysia’s 2025 trade results earlier this month.
The event brought together Malaysian businesses, trade associations, chambers of commerce and foreign trade representatives to review the country’s trade achievements and outline priorities for the year ahead.
Malaysia’s total trade in 2025 rose to a historic RM3.06 trillion, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase and surpassing the RM3 trillion threshold for the first time.
Exports expanded 6.5% to RM1.61 trillion, while imports grew 6.2% to RM1.45 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM151.80bil — the country’s 28th consecutive year of surplus since 1998.
Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the milestone underscored the resilience of Malaysia’s trade and export ecosystem, supported by aggressive promotion and diversification into non-traditional markets.
"Surpassing the RM3 trillion mark is a historic milestone that underscores the resilience of Malaysia’s trade and export ecosystem. Matrade's aggressive promotion and diversification into non-traditional markets like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Togo, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Angola, Puerto Rico and Kyrgyzstan have yielded double-digit growth.
“In 2026, we will continue to empower our MSMEs through customised exporters development and export promotion initiatives to ensure they remain competitive in the global supply chain,” Reezal said.
He noted that more than 19,000 companies had benefited from Matrade initiatives, comprising over 14,000 small and medium enterprises, or 74%, which collectively generated close to RM65bil in sales.
