For the period of January – July 2026, total trade reached RM2.160 trillion, expanding by 24.7% year – on – year (y – o – y). The performance was driven by strong export demand, with exports rising 29.2% to RM1.165 trillion, while imports increased by 19.8% to RM994.71 billion. The trade surplus surged by 138.7% to RM170.50 billion, more than doubling the RM71.42 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Malaysia’s external trade recorded its strongest performance to date for the first seven months of 2026. Exports crossed RM1 trillion, faster than in 2025 when the same achievement was recorded in January – August. Total trade exceeded RM2 trillion, faster than in January – September 2025.

With five months remaining in 2026, Matrade said Malaysia’s trade performance remains on track for another record year, building on three consecutive years of trade expansion since the pandemic – induced contraction in 2020.

• Business Today