KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s exports surged 45.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM191.05bil in August 2026, supported by strong shipments of manufactured and mining goods.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) said total trade jumped 43.4% y-o-y to RM354.01bil, while imports increased 41.1% to RM162.96bil.
“A trade surplus of RM28.09bil was recorded, extending the surplus streak to 76 consecutive months since May 2020,” MITI said.
It said export growth was driven by stronger shipments of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as metalliferous ores and metal scrap.
E&E exports reached RM656.14bil in the first eight months of 2026, putting the segment on track to surpass its full-year export value in 2025.
Exports to major trading partners including Asean, China, the United States (US), Taiwan and the European Union recorded strong growth during the month.
Notably, exports to the US and China reached their highest monthly values to date, reflecting sustained demand from two of Malaysia’s largest trading partners.
Exports to several free trade agreement partners also expanded, including Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, India, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, Pakistan, Canada, Peru and Chile.
For the January-August 2026 period, Malaysia’s total trade expanded 27% to RM2.514 trillion.
Exports grew 31.2% to RM1.356 trillion, outpacing the 22.4% increase in imports to RM1.158 trillion.
The trade surplus more than doubled from the corresponding period last year to RM198.66bil.
Miti said trade, exports, imports and the trade surplus all recorded their highest cumulative values on record for the January-August period.
The eight-month trade surplus also surpassed the full-year levels recorded in both 2024 and 2025.
“Looking ahead, Malaysia will continue to strengthen the foundations for sustained trade growth by widening its market presence, enhancing the competitiveness of strategic industries and positioning local exporters to capture emerging global opportunities,” MITI said.
“Greater utilisation of free trade agreements and deeper engagement with established and emerging markets will create avenues for stronger export expansion, while efforts to move towards higher-value activities will further forge Malaysia’s export base and long-term trade position.”
