KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s exports rose 31.2% to RM1.356 trillion in the first eight months of 2026 from RM1.033 trillion in the same period last year, underpinned by market and product diversification.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said exports to 40 countries, including the United States, France and Ireland, had already surpassed the full-year export values recorded in 2025.
Exports to emerging markets also recorded strong growth, led by Namibia, which surged 430.6%, followed by Angola at 215.4%, Ethiopia at 51.2%, Tanzania at 50.2% and Bangladesh at 20.2%.
MATRADE said the performance highlighted the growing contribution of emerging markets to Malaysia’s export expansion and diversification.
Exports to BRICS member countries increased 19.1% to RM251.47bil, supported by double-digit growth in several key markets.
Exports to China rose 23.7%, while shipments to India increased 23.4%, Brazil 27.5% and South Africa 43.4%.
MATRADE noted that exports to Ethiopia had already exceeded the full-year value recorded in 2025, reflecting increased penetration into non-traditional markets.
Export growth was also broad-based across products and industries.
Beyond electrical and electronic products, exports of optical and scientific equipment jumped 37.6%, petroleum products increased 26.6%, manufactures of metal rose 21.6%, machinery, appliances and parts gained 18.4%, while liquefied natural gas exports grew 17.2%.
Palm oil-based manufactured products also recorded growth, with oleochemical exports rising 12.6%.
MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the export performance showed that efforts to diversify Malaysia’s markets and products were beginning to yield results amid uncertainties in global supply chains.
“Our historic export numbers demonstrate that the strategic shift to market and product diversification over the past recent years has started to bear fruits amid the uncertainties in the global supply chain that have opened up demand opportunities for Malaysia’s exports,” he said in a statement.
He added that the performance also reflected the resilience and adaptability of Malaysian exporters, including micro, small and medium enterprises.
“MATRADE continues to deepen market access initiatives through exporters’ integrated and customised capacity-building programmes by enhancing the whole-of-government approach and strategic partnership with the private stakeholders,” Abu Bakar said.
The trade promotion agency will also step up export promotion activities locally and overseas.
Among its upcoming programmes is the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which will be held from Sept 23 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
