KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's exports in January 2026 jumped 19.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM146.87bil with double-digit growth registered across nearly all its major markets, data released by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) showed.
Imports during the month increased at a lower rate of 5.3% y-o-y to RM125.5bil, resulting in the trade surplus surging 483.9% y-o-y to RM21.37bil.
Total trade for January expanded 12.6% y-o-y to RM272.37bil.
In a statement, the trade promotion agency said exports to the US achieved double-digit growth for the second consecutive month, rising 33.9% to RM23.1bil, which marks Malaysia's highest-ever value recorded for the month of January.
Outbound shipments to China, meanwhile, rose 16.1% to RM15.47bil, while exports to Taiwan surged 79.4% to RM9.93bil. Exports to Asean grew 7.1% to RM39.42bil.
Consistent with the rise in global demand for semiconductors, exports of electrical and electronics (E&E) products climbed 39% to RM70.53bil, which represented 48% of the country's export value.
Matrade noted that the demand was driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) applications and continuous technology upgrade cycles.
Other key products that contributed to the export growth included optical and scientific equipment, which rose 36.2%, processed food (16.5%), transport equipment (13.8%) as well as machinery, equipment and parts (13%).
Matrade CEO Abu Bakar Yusof said the export performance was encouraging, underscoring the resilience and global competitiveness of Malaysian exporters.
"The surge in E&E exports, particularly in semiconductors including electronic integrated circuits (ICs), strategically positions Malaysia to capitalise on the projected 26.3% expansion in the global semiconductor market this year," he said.
He noted also the contribution of high-growth and high-value (HGHV) sectors such as optical and scientific equipment, transport equipment particularly aerospace and food products.
He said the performance aligns with the aspirations of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the nation’s development path under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which emphasise high value-added activities, innovation, and the strengthening of both domestic and global supply chains.
