The Open Day served as a strategic platform for MATRADE to connect with Malaysian business communities, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and foreign trade representatives to celebrate a landmark year and chart the course for 2026.
Malaysia’s total trade in 2025 reached RM3.06 trillion, recording a 6.3% year-on-year increase and surpassing the RM3 trillion mark for the first time. Exports rose by 6.5% to RM1.61 trillion, while imports increased by 6.2% to RM1.45 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM151.80 billion. This marked the 28th consecutive year of a positive trade balance since 1998.
“Surpassing the RM3 trillion mark is a historic milestone that underscores the resilience of Malaysia’s trade and export ecosystem. MATRADE’s aggressive promotion and diversification into non-traditional markets like Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Togo, Yemen, Morocco, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Angola, Puerto Rico, and Kyrgyzstan have yielded double-digit growth. In 2026, we will continue to empower our MSMEs through customised exporters development and export promotion initiatives to ensure they remain competitive in the global supply chain,” said YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE.
“I am proud to say that MATRADE initiatives have proven to be worthwhile. Our efforts have benefitted over 19,000 companies, comprising more than 14,000 SMEs or 74%. All these companies have reported total sales almost RM65 billion. While this currently represents less than 1% of Malaysia’s total exports, we are setting our sights on raising it to 5% over the next five years, a goal we are confident of achieving through focused and strategic actions,” he added.
Key Highlights of 2025 Performance
- Sectoral Drivers: The manufacturing sector remained the primary driver, with E&E products and machinery leading growth. Palm oil-based products recorded a 16.2% increase.
- Market Expansion: Significant export growth was recorded in emerging markets, including Yemen, Algeria, and Puerto Rico.
- Successful Trade Events: MATRADE initiatives, including MIHAS 2025, which recorded RM6.05 billion in sales, collectively generated RM64.67 billion in export sales through various missions and trade fairs.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Outlook
In 2026, Malaysia’s economy is projected to grow between 4% and 4.5%, supported by resilient domestic demand and robust tourism for Visit Malaysia 2026. MATRADE will organise 18 major trade fairs, including participation in the Farnborough International Airshow and SEMICON West, for the aerospace and E&E industries.
MATRADE also announced the inaugural National Export Award scheduled for 10 April 2026 to honour outstanding contributions by Malaysian exporters.
Looking ahead, MITI and MATRADE will continue to focus on trade diversification, export development, and digitalisation in line with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the MADANI Economy Framework, to capitalise on the strong performance achieved in 2025 and shape new trade opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
