MALAYSIA’S trade surplus more than doubled to RM232.4 billion in the first nine months of 2026, supported by a 34% surge in exports, as the country maintained its positive trade balance amid strong growth in both shipments and imports.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said total trade from January to September rose 30.1% year-on-year to RM2.9 trillion, compared with RM2.2 trillion in the corresponding period last year.
Exports increased 34% to RM1.6 trillion, while imports grew 25.7%, pushing the trade surplus up 115.7% to RM232.4 billion.
In September alone, total trade jumped 53.7% year-on-year to RM396.5 billion, with exports rising 54.5% to RM215.1 billion and imports increasing 52.7% to RM181.4 billion.
The monthly surplus widened 64.9% to RM33.7 billion, marking the 77th consecutive month Malaysia has recorded a trade surplus since May 2020.
DOSM said electrical and electronic (E&E) products were the main driver of September’s export growth, contributing an increase of RM45.1 billion, followed by other manufactures at RM14.7 billion.
Domestic exports, which accounted for 75.3% of total exports, rose 54.7% to RM162 billion.
The United States recorded the largest increase in demand for Malaysian exports, at RM18 billion, followed by Taiwan at RM13.7 billion and Singapore at RM11.9 billion.
On the import side, E&E products also led the increase, rising RM42.2 billion. China was the biggest contributor to import growth, with shipments to Malaysia increasing RM21.1 billion.
On a month-on-month basis, September’s total trade rose 12% from August, while the trade surplus increased 20.1%, or RM5.6 billion.
Separately, DOSM reported that annual inflation eased to 1.8% in September from 1.9% in August, with slower price increases in housing-related costs, personal care and information and communication.
However, eight states and federal territories recorded inflation above the national rate, led by Negeri Sembilan and Labuan at 2.4% each.
On a monthly basis, inflation rose 0.1% in September, compared with 0.3% in August. - October 19, 2026