KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Malaysia's exports surpassed RM200 billion for the first time in September, surging 54.5 per cent year-on-year to a record RM215.11 billion, marking the fastest growth since April 2021
The Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (MITI) said the achievement is part of a broader expansion in Malaysia’s external trade, with total trade increasing 53.7 per cent year-on-year to RM396.5 billion, while imports rose 52.7 per cent to RM181.39 billion, based on the Malaysian Statistics Department's (DOSM) data.
Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of RM33.72 billion in September, extending its surplus streak to 77 consecutive months since May 2020.
"The positive trade momentum from January to September 2026 aligns with a favourable outlook for the country’s external trade and economic growth.
"According to the Ministry of Finance’s Economic Outlook 2027, total trade is projected to grow 27.2 per cent in 2026, with exports increasing by 31 per cent and imports rising by 23.1 per cent," it said in a statement.
For January-September 2026, the country's trade performance reached new heights, with total trade rising 30.1 per cent year-on-year to RM2.91 trillion, while exports grew 34 per cent to RM1.57 trillion.
Meanwhile, imports rose 25.7 per cent to RM1.34 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM232.38 billion, up 115.7 per cent from the same period last year.
MITI added that Malaysia also recorded encouraging growth across its major export markets, with exports to ASEAN rising 46.2 per cent to a record RM59.55 billion.
Exports to the United States surged 89.9 per cent to RM38.03 billion, while shipments to Taiwan more than doubled to RM21.45 billion, up 175.2 per cent and marking the highest monthly export value recorded for the market.
Trade with Malaysia's free trade agreement (FTA) partners also strengthened, with total trade increasing 53.1 per cent year-on-year to RM261.73 billion in September while exports rose 42 per cent to RM130.78 billion.
Amid shifting trade policies among major economies and geopolitical tensions, it said the ministry and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will continue to assess global developments, strengthen market diversification, expand access to high-growth markets, and help Malaysian exporters adapt to evolving trade conditions.
