Malaysia’s exports continued to record strong growth in the first eight months of 2026, rising 31.2% to RM1.356 trillion from RM1.033 trillion in the same period last year.
According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), exports to 40 countries, including the United States, France and Ireland, had already surpassed their full-year export values recorded in 2025. The performance highlights the increasingly broad-based nature of Malaysia’s export growth across both established and emerging markets.
The expansion comes as Malaysia continues to diversify its export markets and products amid an increasingly uncertain global trading environment. MATRADE has highlighted market diversification as part of efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s export resilience and expand access to new sources of demand.
Emerging Markets Strengthen Malaysia’s Export Base
Emerging markets recorded significant export growth during the period, contributing to Malaysia’s wider market diversification efforts.
Exports to Namibia surged 430.6%, while shipments to Angola increased 215.4%. Exports to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Bangladesh also rose by 51.2%, 50.2% and 20.2%, respectively.
The strong performance in these markets points to growing opportunities beyond Malaysia’s traditional export destinations, with non-traditional markets playing an increasingly important role in broadening the country’s export base.
Among BRICS member countries, Malaysia’s exports expanded 19.1% to RM251.47 billion. Double-digit growth was recorded across several major markets, including China, India, Brazil and South Africa.
Exports to China increased 23.7%, while those to India rose 23.4%. Exports to Brazil grew 27.5% and South Africa recorded a 43.4% increase.
Notably, Malaysia’s exports to Ethiopia had already surpassed the full-year export value recorded in 2025, further highlighting the potential of non-traditional markets.
Export Growth Extends Beyond E&E
Malaysia’s export expansion is also becoming more diversified across industries and products.
While electrical and electronic (E&E) products remain an important contributor to Malaysia’s export performance, other manufactured goods also recorded significant growth. Exports of optical and scientific equipment increased 37.6%, followed by petroleum products at 26.6%, manufactures of metal at 21.6%, machinery, appliances and parts at 18.4%, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) at 17.2%.
The broader performance complements Malaysia’s strong E&E export growth. MATRADE reported that E&E exports reached RM656.14 billion between January and August 2026, putting the sector on track to surpass its full-year export value recorded in 2025.
Palm oil-based manufactured products also recorded strong growth, driven particularly by oleochemicals, which increased 12.6%.
Malaysian SMEs contributed significantly to the expansion of this export segment, highlighting the role of local businesses in strengthening Malaysia’s value-added and downstream exports.
SMEs Contribute to Export Diversification
The growth of palm oil-based manufactured products demonstrates how Malaysian SMEs can contribute to expanding the country’s export base beyond major sectors such as E&E.
By moving further into value-added and downstream activities, businesses can develop more diversified products for international markets while strengthening Malaysia’s position across global supply chains.
MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said the latest export performance showed that the strategic shift towards market and product diversification in recent years was beginning to deliver results despite uncertainties in global supply chains.
“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.
He added that the changing global landscape also highlighted the agility and resilience of Malaysian exporters, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in responding to global uncertainties.
MATRADE to Deepen Market Access
MATRADE will continue to strengthen market access through integrated and customised capacity-building programmes, while expanding its whole-of-government approach and strategic partnerships with private-sector stakeholders.
“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,” said Dato’ Indera.
The agency will also continue intensifying export promotion activities both locally and internationally to showcase the capabilities of Malaysian companies.
One of its upcoming programmes is the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which will take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.
The event is expected to bring together 1,700 local and international exhibitors, 300 international buyers and 27 international media outlets, providing another platform for Malaysian companies to strengthen international market access and develop new export opportunities.
With export growth increasingly spread across markets, industries and products, Malaysia’s latest performance points to a continued emphasis on diversification as businesses seek new opportunities in the global economy.
