Malaysia’s trade performance strengthened further in May 2026, with total trade reaching a new monthly record high, supported by strong export growth across key products and major markets, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
Total trade expanded 29.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM327.63 billion in May 2026, marking the fastest growth in 44 months.
Exports continued their upward momentum for the 11th consecutive month, rising sharply by 45.3% to RM184.00 billion, surpassing the previous record achieved in April 2026. The latest export growth also represented the strongest performance since August 2022.
Imports grew at a more moderate pace, increasing 14.1% y-o-y to RM143.62 billion, resulting in Malaysia recording a record monthly trade surplus of RM40.38 billion.
The surplus marked Malaysia’s 73rd consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020, as export growth significantly outpaced import expansion.
MITI said export growth was mainly driven by manufactured and mining products, with both segments recording double-digit increases.
The electrical and electronics (E&E) sector remained the largest contributor, with exports increasing by RM38 billion to a new record level, supported by strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related technologies and automotive applications.
Growth was also supported by higher exports of petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and optical and scientific equipment.
Malaysia’s export performance remained broad-based, with all major trading partners — including ASEAN, China, the United States, Taiwan and the European Union (EU) — recording double-digit export growth.
Exports to Taiwan and the EU reached new record highs, reflecting sustained external demand for Malaysian products.
The ministry added that Malaysia’s extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs) continued to create new market opportunities, contributing to stronger exports to markets such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada and Pakistan across various product categories.
For the first five months of 2026, Malaysia’s trade performance maintained its strong momentum.
Total trade rose 18.3% to RM1.455 trillion compared with the same period in 2025, with exports increasing 24.3% to RM793.84 billion while imports grew 11.8% to RM661.07 billion.
This resulted in a cumulative trade surplus of RM132.77 billion from January to May 2026.
MITI noted that trade, exports, imports and trade surplus for the January-May period all reached historic highs.
Despite heightened uncertainties in global trade, Malaysia’s trade sector remained resilient, with E&E products continuing to serve as the primary growth driver.
