September exports grow fastest since April 2021

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Malaysia’s exports surpassed RM200 billion in September 2026 for the first time, soaring 54.5% year-on-year to RM215.11 billion and marking the fastest export growth since April 2021. This robust trade performance, driven by strong demand from key markets like the US and Taiwan, supports optimistic economic forecasts and underscores Malaysia’s strategy to diversify markets amid global trade shifts.

Malaysia’s exports surged past the RM200 billion mark for the first time in September 2026, posting a 54.5% year-on-year increase to RM215.11 billion. This growth represents the country’s fastest export expansion since April 2021, according to data released by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).

The broader external trade landscape also showed significant gains, with total trade rising 53.7% year-on-year to RM396.5 billion. Imports climbed 52.7% to RM181.39 billion during the same month. Malaysia’s trade surplus continued its upward trajectory, reaching RM33.72 billion in September and extending the nation’s surplus streak to 77 consecutive months since May 2020.

Miti highlighted that the strong trade performance from January to September 2026 reflects a positive outlook for Malaysia’s economic growth. The Finance Ministry’s Economic Outlook 2027 projects total trade growth of 27.2% for the year, with exports expected to increase by 31% and imports by 23.1%.

For the first nine months of 2026, Malaysia’s total trade grew 30.1% year-on-year to RM2.91 trillion. Exports expanded by 34% to RM1.57 trillion, while imports rose 25.7% to RM1.34 trillion. The trade surplus surged 115.7% from the same period last year to reach RM232.38 billion.

Miti also reported substantial growth in exports to key markets. Trade with ASEAN nations climbed 46.2% to a record RM59.55 billion. Exports to the United States soared 89.9% to RM38.03 billion, and shipments to Taiwan more than doubled, increasing by 175.2% to RM21.45 billion—the highest monthly export value recorded for that market.

Trade with Malaysia’s free trade agreement (FTA) partners also saw meaningful expansion. Total trade with these partners rose 53.1% year-on-year to RM261.73 billion in September, while exports increased 42% to RM130.78 billion.

In response to evolving global trade dynamics amid shifting policies and geopolitical tensions, Miti and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation stated that they will continue monitoring international developments. Efforts will focus on strengthening market diversification, expanding access to emerging high-growth markets, and supporting Malaysian exporters as they adapt to changing trade conditions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.