20 AUGUST 2026 – Strong semiconductor and E&E demand helps drive record monthly trade, while Malaysia records its 75th consecutive month of trade surplus amid a shifting global trade landscape.
Malaysia’s external trade continued its strong growth trajectory in July 2026, with trade, exports and imports all reaching record monthly highs, according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Total trade expanded 37.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM364.74 billion, while exports increased 38.0% to RM193.60 billion and imports grew 36.4% to RM171.14 billion.
Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of RM22.46 billion, extending the country’s streak of consecutive monthly trade surpluses to 75 months since May 2020.
The latest figures reinforce Malaysia’s position as a resilient and increasingly diversified trading economy despite continued uncertainty in the global trading environment.
E&E and semiconductor demand drives export growth
Malaysia’s export performance strengthened significantly in July, supported by broad-based gains across the country’s three major export sectors: manufactured goods, agriculture and mining goods.
Electrical and electronic (E&E) products remained the standout performer, recording their highest monthly export value.
E&E exports increased by RM32 billion compared with July 2025, driven by robust demand for semiconductors and other high-value E&E products.
The month also saw stronger exports of metalliferous ores and metal scrap, as well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture products, providing further support to Malaysia’s overall export growth.
The broad-based nature of the increase highlights the resilience and diversity of Malaysia’s export structure as businesses navigate changes in global demand and supply chains.
Exports to key markets record double-digit growth
Malaysia’s export growth was also broad-based across its major trading markets.
Exports to ASEAN, China, the United States, Taiwan and the European Union (EU) recorded robust double-digit growth during July 2026.
The highest monthly export values were recorded for shipments to ASEAN, China and Taiwan.
Growth also extended across Malaysia’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners, with exports increasing across a wide range of products.
Higher shipments were recorded to markets including Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Canada, Peru and Chile, reflecting the continued diversification of Malaysia’s international trade links.
The performance highlights the importance of expanding market access and maximising the use of existing FTAs as global trade patterns continue to evolve.
Malaysia’s January-July trade surpasses RM2 trillion
Malaysia’s strong July performance further strengthened its cumulative trade performance for the first seven months of 2026.
From January to July, total trade expanded 24.7% to RM2.160 trillion, surpassing the RM2 trillion mark two months earlier than in 2025.
Exports exceeded the RM1 trillion milestone one month earlier than the previous year, rising 29.2% to RM1.165 trillion.
Imports increased 19.8% to RM994.71 billion, while Malaysia’s trade surplus reached RM170.50 billion.
The cumulative trade surplus was more than double the surplus recorded during the same period last year.
Trade, exports, imports and the trade surplus all registered their highest cumulative values on record for the January-to-July period.
Trade growth supports Malaysia’s economic expansion
The sustained strength in external trade comes as Malaysia’s economy continues to benefit from resilient domestic demand and exports.
Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 6.0% in the second quarter of 2026, supported by resilient domestic spending and solid export growth.
The latest trade performance provides a strong foundation for continued economic growth, although the global environment remains challenging.
Geopolitical shifts, tariff measures and supply-chain realignments are expected to continue reshaping international trade in the months ahead.
Diversification remains key to future trade growth
While Malaysia’s trade performance remains strong, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said continued prudence and adaptability will be necessary as the global trading landscape evolves.
Sustaining Malaysia’s trade growth will require greater diversification of export markets and products, alongside stronger utilisation of Free Trade Agreements and deeper engagement with high-potential markets.
The record performance in the first seven months of 2026 demonstrates continued momentum, but Malaysia will need to remain agile in responding to changing global demand, trade policies and supply-chain dynamics.
For now, the latest figures point to a resilient external sector, with strong E&E and semiconductor demand, expanding trade relationships and increasingly diversified export markets helping Malaysia maintain its upward trade trajectory.
