KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Malaysia’s exports grew 19.6% in January, driven mainly by sustained demand for manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic (E&E) products, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) said on Friday. Total trade increased 12.6% year-on-year to RM272.37 billion.
Exports grew to RM146.87 billion, marking the seventh consecutive month of expansion, while imports rose 5.3% to RM125.50 billion, according to Matrade's statement.
Trade surplus has extended to 69 consecutive months since May 2020, amounting to RM21.37 billion.
Exports, imports and trade surplus also recorded their highest monthly values for January, said Matrade.
In addition to strong E&E exports, high-growth and high-value sectors such as optical and scientific equipment, aerospace-related transport equipment and food products also supported January’s trade performance, said Matrade chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof.
He said Matrade “will continue to play a proactive role in enhancing the nation’s global export competitiveness by implementing exporter development programmes and export promotions to ensure this growth momentum remains sustainable throughout the year”.
This includes intensifying efforts to encourage exporters and micro, small, and medium enterprises to utilise 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) to strengthen market access and global competitiveness.
“For 2026, Matrade has outlined 203 high-impact programmes, including trade missions, international business matching sessions and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at empowering over 13,400 Malaysian companies to penetrate and maintain their positions in global markets,” he added.
In terms of markets, exports to all major trading partners rose, led by strong double-digit growth to the People’s Republic of China, the US, Taiwan and the European Union (EU), while exports to Asean expanded at a more moderate pace.
Exports to FTA partners also recorded broad-based growth, particularly to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China (Hong Kong SAR), the Republic of Korea, Mexico, India, the UK, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. Exports to Taiwan and Hong Kong SAR reached their highest monthly levels on record, said Matrade.