Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's trade performance in January 2026 remained robust, rising 12.6 per cent year-on-year to RM272.37 billion, compared to RM241.97 billion in the same period last year, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MITI stated that the growth was supported by the seventh consecutive month of export expansion, which recorded double-digit growth of 19.6 per cent to RM146.87 billion, while imports edged up by 5.3 per cent to RM125.50 billion. The 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 January.

MITI attributed the monthly export performance to robust demand for manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic products, which grew to RM70.53 billion, a surge of 39.5 per cent. 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 growth to China, the United States, Taiwan, and the European Union, while exports to ASEAN grew at a more moderate pace. Exports to Free Trade Agreement partners also expanded, particularly to Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, India, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand.

In a separate statement, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the agency will continue to enhance the nation's global export competitiveness. This will be achieved by implementing exporter development programs and export promotions to ensure sustainable growth throughout the year. MATRADE plans to intensify efforts to encourage exporters and micro, small, and medium enterprises to utilize 17 FTAs to strengthen market access and global competitiveness.

For 2026, MATRADE has outlined 203 high-impact programs, including trade missions, international business matching sessions, and capacity-building initiatives, aimed at empowering over 13,400 Malaysian companies to penetrate and maintain their positions in global markets. Moving forward, MATRADE stated that the Ministry of Finance's Economic Outlook 2026 estimates that Malaysia's export growth will expand by 2.8 per cent for the full year, supported by stable demand in the global technology market, which will act as a primary catalyst for high-value export performance.