GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia recorded its highest-ever total trade for the first half of the year at RM1.796 trillion, driven by strong growth in exports of electrical and electronic (E&E) products, says Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin.
He said total trade rose 22.4% year-on-year to RM1.796tril between January and June, with exports increasing 27.5% to RM971.6bil and imports rising 16.9% to RM824.4bil.
This resulted in a trade surplus of RM147.1bil, up sharply from RM56.6bil in the corresponding period last year.
"This means the country is achieving a very proud milestone in terms of trade because Malaysia sells goods overseas and generates a very high trade surplus," Sim said on Thursday (Aug 13).
He noted that June also set a new monthly record, with total trade reaching RM340.9bil, surpassing all previous monthly figures.
"June 2026 recorded the highest total trade in the history of Malaysia. It is the highest month, with the highest exports and imports," he said.
Sim attributed much of the growth to the E&E sector, with E&E exports rising 42.5% in the first half of the year to RM467.9bil.
Petroleum products recorded a 27.4% increase to RM66.2bil, while machinery, equipment and parts rose 12.6% to RM42.9bil, and optical and scientific equipment grew 40.8% to RM41.3bil.
Sim said the figures reflected a fundamental shift in Malaysia's economic structure, with technology-related products increasingly driving export growth.
"Malaysia is no longer just a trading nation exporting palm oil, oil and gas, minerals and other commodities. We are now becoming a technology nation," he said.
He added that E&E products, including semiconductors, were major contributors to export performance alongside machinery and high-tech items.
"Malaysia has moved slowly from a country that was once known for fishing, paddy, rubber and palm oil into a technological country, with E&E, machinery and high-tech products becoming increasingly important," he said.
Sim, who is also Bayan Baru MP, said the trade performance reflected the country's economic progress over the past 69 years and positioned Malaysia closer to achieving high-income nation status.
"This is a success story for Malaysia and we should be proud of it," he said, before distributing Jalur Gemilang flags to locals in Sungai Nibong, accompanied by Penang Island City Councilor Chan Soon Aun.
