KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's exports rose 34 per cent year-on-year to a record RM1.571 trillion in the first nine months of 2026, supported by strong electrical and electronics (E&E) shipments and growth in non-traditional markets.
In a statement, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) said total trade rose 30.1 per cent to RM2.91 trillion, while imports grew 25.7 per cent to RM1.34 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM232.38 billion.
E&E products remained a key contributor with exports increasing by RM253.88 billion amid strong global demand linked to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology adoption.
Beyond E&E, export growth was supported by petroleum products, optical and scientific equipment, machinery, equipment and parts, as well as liquefied natural gas.
Exports of downstream palm oil-based manufactured products, particularly oleochemicals, also continued to record double-digit growth.
Other products with positive export growth included automotive parts and accessories, pharmaceutical products, metal furniture and aerospace products, which have substantial participation from Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Chief executive officer Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the performance reflected exporters' resilience amid persistent global economic uncertainties.
"Our export performance in the first nine months of 2026 proves that exporters and SMEs continue to be resilient and steadfast," he said.
He said efforts to empower Malaysian-owned companies to tap high-growth emerging markets had helped turn potential vulnerabilities into opportunities.
Meanwhile, exports to non-traditional markets across Africa, Central Asia, South Asia and Latin America increased 21.5 per cent to RM136.36 billion during the period.
Among the markets recording growth were Namibia with exports rising 426.1 per cent, followed by South Africa at 101 per cent, Libya at 79.3 per cent, Angola at 55.6 per cent and Brazil at 41 per cent.
Malaysia's free trade agreement (FTA) partners continued to account for the bulk of exports, absorbing RM986.38 billion or 62.8 per cent of total exports, representing growth of 25.8 per cent.
Exports to 21 of Malaysia's 24 FTA partners grew, led by Mexico at 52.1 per cent, Vietnam at 44.9 per cent, the United Kingdom at 41.1 per cent and Thailand at 32.3 per cent.
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