Malaysia's total trade surges 37% in July on broad-based export gains - The Star
Malaysia’s total trade surged 37.3% year-on-year in July to a record RM364.74 billion as broad-based gains in manufactured, agriculture and mining goods lifted exports and imports.
Source: The Star · August 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM · AI-assisted report
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MALAYSIA, 20 AUGUST 2026 —
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Malaysia’s trade performance in July 2026 surged 37.3% year‑on‑year, driven by broad‑based export gains across manufactured, agriculture and mining sectors. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry released data showing a monthly record of RM364.74 billion in total trade, with exports rising 38% to RM193.6 billion and imports up 36.4% to RM171.14 billion. The trade surplus widened to RM22.46 billion, marking the 75th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020.
Market Impact
The export boom was led by high‑value electrical and electronics (E&E) products, which saw a 51% increase in demand to RM95.65 billion compared with July 2025. Machinery, equipment and parts exports grew 41.6% to RM9.65 billion, petroleum products rose 26.9% to RM10.31 billion, and optical and scientific equipment increased 36.2% to RM7.64 billion. Palm oil and palm‑oil‑based agricultural products also expanded, up 7.8% to RM7.25 billion.
These figures underscore the resilience of Malaysia’s manufacturing and commodity export base.
Key trading partners reflected the export surge. Exports to ASEAN markets grew 28.8% to RM56.06 billion, buoyed by strong E&E and machinery shipments. China recorded its highest export value to date, rising 30.2% to RM20.59 billion, driven by E&E exports as well as metalliferous ores and metal scrap. Taiwan exports nearly doubled to a record RM15.36 billion, largely due to demand for E&E products.
These developments highlight Malaysia’s growing integration with major Asian economies and its role as a key supplier of high‑tech components.
Import dynamics mirrored the export momentum. Intermediate goods imports surged 40.8% to RM80.04 billion, reflecting higher purchases of parts and accessories for non‑transport capital goods. Capital goods imports, valued at RM22.52 billion, increased 24%, driven by non‑transport capital goods. Consumption goods imports rose 5.2% to RM10.98 billion, attributed to higher imports of durables. The balanced rise in imports suggests that domestic production is supported by a supply chain of intermediate and capital inputs.
For the Malaysian market, the trade data signals continued strength in export‑driven growth, particularly in high‑value sectors such as E&E and machinery. The sustained trade surplus and record monthly trade volume reinforce Malaysia’s position as a key exporter in the region. However, the parallel rise in imports of intermediate and capital goods indicates ongoing investment in manufacturing capacity, which could support future export expansion.
The data also suggest that Malaysia’s trade policy and infrastructure investments are effectively supporting a diversified export portfolio, reducing reliance on any single commodity or market.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry will likely monitor the trajectory of high‑value exports and the impact of global supply chain shifts. The continued growth in E&E exports, especially to China and Taiwan, may be influenced by regional semiconductor demand and geopolitical dynamics. Meanwhile, the rise in petroleum product exports reflects global oil price trends.
Overall, the July 2026 trade figures provide a positive outlook for Malaysia’s economy, with sustained export growth and a widening surplus underpinning continued economic resilience.
Related: Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry · Malaysia