Trade Performance : January 2026

MALAYSIA'S TRADE PERFORMANCE IN JANUARY 2026 REMAINED ROBUST, A STRONG START TO THE NEW YEAR

Highest Ever Trade, Exports, Imports and Trade Surplus Recorded for the Month of January

Malaysia’s trade performance in January 2026 remained robust, reflecting the country’s resilience and competitiveness in international trade at the start of the year. Trade rose 12.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM272.37 billion, supported by the seventh consecutive month of export expansion, which recorded double-digit growth of 19.6% to RM146.87 billion while imports edged up by 5.3% to RM125.50 billion. Trade surplus sustained its positive momentum for the 69th consecutive month since May 2020, totaling
RM21.37 billion. Trade, exports, imports and trade surplus also recorded their highest monthly values ever for the month of January.

This impressive monthly export performance was driven mainly by robust demand for manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic (E&E) products, which grew by 39.5% or almost RM20 billion. Export growth was further supported by higher shipments of optical and scientific equipment as well as machinery, equipment and parts.

In terms of markets, exports to all major trading partners increased, led by strong double-digit growth to the People’s Republic of China (China), the United States (US), Taiwan and the European Union (EU), while exports to ASEAN grew at a more moderate pace. Exports to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners also recorded broad-based expansion, particularly to the Hong Kong Special Administration Region of China (Hong Kong SAR), the Republic of Korea (ROK), Mexico, India, the United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and New Zealand. Notably, exports to Taiwan and Hong Kong SAR reached their highest monthly values to date.

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Trade Performance : January 2026
Trade Performance : January 2026 (Infographic)