MALAYSIA’S exports surged 31.2% to RM1.356 trillion in the first eight months of 2026 from RM1.033 trillion a year earlier, driven by stronger market and product diversification, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said.
Exports to 40 countries, including the United States, France and Ireland, have already surpassed their full-year export values for 2025, highlighting the broader reach of Malaysian goods beyond traditional markets.
Emerging markets also recorded strong growth, led by Namibia, where exports jumped 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 underscored the growing contribution of emerging markets to Malaysia’s export expansion and diversification.
Exports to BRICS member countries increased 19.1% to RM251.47 billion, supported by double-digit growth in several major markets.
Exports to China rose 23.7%, while shipments to India increased 23.4%, Brazil 27.5% and South Africa 43.4%.
MATRADE said 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 rose 37.6%, petroleum products increased 26.6%, manufactures of metal grew 21.6%, machinery, appliances and parts gained 18.4%, while liquefied natural gas exports rose 17.2%.
Palm oil-based manufactured products also recorded growth, with oleochemical exports increasing 12.6%.
MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the performance showed that efforts to diversify Malaysia’s markets and products were beginning to yield results amid global supply chain uncertainties.
“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 on Monday.
He said 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 intensify export promotion activities domestically and overseas.
Among its upcoming programmes is the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), scheduled from Sept 23 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. September 21, 2026
