Tag: MATRADE

Malaysian trade hits historic record of RM1.127 trillion for January-April 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 -- Malaysia's trade volume jumped 15.3 percent year-on-year to RM1.127 trillion for the period January to April 2026, creating new history, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). The performance was driven by a surge in demand for high growth, high value (HGHV) products and a planned market diversification strategy. In a statement on Thursday, MATRADE said exports jumped 19 percent to RM609.31 billion while imports increased 11.1 percent to RM517.40 billion, thus recording the highest value ever recorded during the period. "This resulted in a trade surplus of RM91.92 billion, a remarkable jump of 99.1 percent which effectively doubled the previous year's performance," he explained. MATRADE added that Malaysia has demonstrated remarkable external sector resilience despite the escalating geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia. Export expansion in the period January to April 2026 was driven by strong demand for electrical and electronic (E&E) products which grew by RM71 billion or 32.1 percent, supported by the global semiconductor boom which was further boosted by the application of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and the expansion of data centers. Most importantly, Malaysia strengthened its position in the global AI value chain with exports of AI-enabled products jumping 42.9 percent to RM319.05 billion, now accounting for more than half (52.4 percent) of the country's total exports. In addition, pharmaceutical and automotive products provided an additional dimension to the HGHV narrative by recording double-digit growth of 21.9 percent and 10.3 percent respectively. This is in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) strategic priorities for the HGHV industry including semiconductors, energy transition technologies as well as sectors driven by the digital economy. Meanwhile, April 2026 also delivered exceptional results with monthly exports jumping 36.9 percent to RM182.74 billion and the monthly trade surplus increasing by 460.5 percent to RM28.75 billion, the highest value ever recorded in Malaysia's trade history. This in turn strengthens the momentum that drives the country's trade engine. Meanwhile, MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the surge in AI-enabled products and semiconductor exports confirmed that Malaysian industry is firmly entrenched in the technology supply chain that shapes the global economy. "MATRADE remains committed to guiding Malaysian exporters and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to move up the value chain to ensure that we not only dominate the market, but also capture the highest value opportunities within it," he said. According to MATRADE, exports to the United States increased by 32.5 percent, Taiwan (+68.9 percent), Hong Kong (+43.0 percent), China (+18.7 percent), the European Union (+23.9 percent) and ASEAN (+8.6 percent) which was partly driven by shipments of E&E products. Exports to free trade agreement (FTA) partners increased 14.2 percent to RM390.09 billion with 17 out of 24 FTA countries recording positive growth including South Korea, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Most notably, Malaysia's trade diversification is entering a high-growth phase that goes beyond its traditional pillars. Developing markets recorded exponential growth with the Democratic Republic of Congo (+196.6 percent), Sudan (+223.1 percent), Zimbabwe (+220.5 percent), Bulgaria (+141.6 percent), Haiti (+103.5 percent), Ethiopia (+88.1 percent) and Uzbekistan (+29.7 percent) leading the surge. "This reflects the systematic expansion of Malaysia's trade footprint into high-growth and underserved markets across Africa and Eastern Europe," he said. He explained that Malaysia's diversity strategy is also on the right track. "While our core markets remain strong, the exponential growth we are seeing in frontier economies in Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe signals that Malaysian exporters are confidently entering new markets. "In this era of global trade uncertainty, geographical resilience is not just a strategic precaution. We are stepping beyond traditional markets to ensure Malaysia remains important and cannot be ignored in the global supply chain," said Abu Bakar. MATRADE said Malaysia's trade trajectory for 2026 remains robust, driven by a combination of HGHV sector momentum, diversified target markets and strategic adaptability in the face of geopolitical uncertainties. This positions Malaysia as a confident and resilient player in the global trade landscape, according to MATRADE. He explained that the agency will continue to support Malaysian exporters to seize new emerging opportunities, take advantage of trade agreements and firmly penetrate high-value segments in the global supply chain. --BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Malaysia’s trade volume jumped 15.3 percent year-on-year to RM1.127 trillion for the period January to April 2026, creating new history, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). The performance was driven by a surge in demand for high growth, high value (HGHV) products and a planned market diversification […]

Penang needs to draft a master plan for green waste, high-tech e-waste – Reezal Merican

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has great potential to transform waste into new wealth by attracting foreign investment based on high technology as a new economic driver for the state. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN-Bertam) said in this regard, he proposed that the state government draw up a comprehensive Green Waste and High-Tech E-Waste Master Plan. "The e-waste recycling industry has high potential because it involves processing valuable metals such as nickel, lithium and cobalt. "In fact, seven out of 17 licensed companies in Malaysia are already operating in Penang and this is an advantage that should be fully utilized," he said when debating the motion of thanks for the policy speech by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here. He, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), also emphasised the importance of the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) project which can solve the problem of solid waste while generating energy. However, he said its implementation required careful planning and full support from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state's top leadership. Reezal Merican said this is not just an environmental issue, but rather a huge economic opportunity that cannot be missed. According to him, in this regard, the state government needs to act immediately before Penang falls behind in the green economy and the circular economy. Meanwhile, he also suggested that the state government provide a one-time incentive of RM500 to each farmer to help them cope with the recent soaring price increases in agricultural inputs. He said the proposal was put forward to ease the burden on rice farmers who were affected by the increasing costs of fertilisers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs. "The state government can consider providing a one-off incentive of RM500 to farmers to help them at this time. This is among the direct support measures that can be implemented immediately," he said. He said the agricultural sector, especially rice crops, needed to continue to be given attention by the state government given its importance in terms of ensuring the country's food supply. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has great potential to transform waste into new wealth by attracting foreign investment based on high technology as a new economic driver for the state. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (BN-Bertam) said in this regard, he proposed that the state government draw up a comprehensive Green Waste and High-Tech E-Waste Master […]