Malaysia's exports surge dramatically in first three quarters of 2026
Malaysia's exports jumped 34% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026, driven by strong demand for electrical and electronics goods and expanding sales to new markets.
In the first nine months of 2026, Malaysia's export volume increased by 34% compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. Electrical and electronics products were the main engine of this growth, reflecting heightened global demand linked to AI and digital technologies. Sales to emerging markets across Africa, Central and South Asia and Latin America rose sharply, while traditional free-trade-agreement partners continued to dominate overall export values.
Imports also rose, but at a slower rate, widening the country's trade surplus. Additional export contributors included petroleum derivatives, optical and scientific instruments, machinery, liquefied natural gas and downstream palm-oil-based products such as oleochemicals.
Why it matters
The surge highlights Malaysia's growing role in global tech supply chains and its success in diversifying export markets.
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