KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's exports rose 12.7 percent year on year to 426.53 billion ringgit (about 107.86 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter, primarily driven by stronger demand for manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronic (E&E) products, official data showed Monday.
These products continued to anchor overall export growth, with exports increasing by more than 40 billion ringgit, underpinned by sustained global demand and ongoing technological adoption across key markets, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said in a statement.
In terms of markets, exports to key trading partners, namely China and the United States, recorded robust double-digit growth, while exports to ASEAN registered moderate expansion.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's trade remained on an expansionary path in the first quarter of 2026, expanding by 10.4 percent to 789.85 billion ringgit.
Its imports increased by 7.7 percent to 363.31 billion ringgit, resulting in a trade surplus of 63.22 billion ringgit during the quarter.
As for March, Malaysia's trade sustained its upward trajectory, expanding by 9.3 percent year on year to 272.95 billion ringgit, supported by growth in both exports and imports.
Its exports rose 8.3 percent to 148.75 billion ringgit, while imports increased by 10.4 percent to 124.20 billion ringgit.
"Heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have amplified volatility in global trade, exerting upward pressure on logistics costs and supply chain efficiency," said the ministry.
It said the ministry will continue to closely monitor global developments while exporters are encouraged to leverage existing free trade agreements (FTAs), tap into emerging markets and diversify product offerings to strengthen resilience amid ongoing uncertainties. ■
