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Industry updates

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Trade & going global2 min read

Malaysia's Jan–Sep trade up 30.1% to a record RM2.9102 trillion

Malaysia's statistics department announced on 19 October that total trade for January–September 2026 rose 30.1% year on year to RM2.9102 trillion, a record. Trade with Japan also grew in both directions, a sign of strong demand for companies doing business with Malaysia.

Key points

  1. Total trade RM2.9102 trillion (about ¥113.4995 trillion), up 30.1%: exports RM1.5713 trillion (+34.0%), imports RM1.3389 trillion (+25.7%), trade surplus RM232.4 billion (about 2.2 times a year earlier)
  2. Electrical and electronics exports rose 49.5% to RM766.4 billion, 48.8% of the total; the US was the top export destination (+69.1% to RM282.1 billion) and China the top import source (+44.5% to RM360.4 billion)
  3. Trade with Japan: Malaysian exports up 18.3% to RM68.0 billion, imports up 15.4% to RM56.2 billion

Background

According to JETRO's Business Brief, the export growth was driven by rising semiconductor demand, more AI investment and the spread of digital technology; Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said larger shipments of metal ores and LNG also contributed alongside manufacturing.

MBSB Research raised its full-year 2026 forecast to exports +32.0% and imports +26.0% (previously +18.9% and +13.0%), while warning that supply-chain disruption, cost increases and renewed trade friction are downside risks. Yen figures are approximate, based on the article's rate of about ¥39 per ringgit.

What it means for shops

For Japanese companies trading with Malaysia, the data confirm that overall trade is expanding and that trade with Japan is also rising. Growth is concentrated in electrical and electronics, however, so supply-chain disruption or trade friction could change the outlook.

What shops should do

  1. If you trade with Malaysia, check whether your counterparts are affected by the electronics demand boom

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Original releaseJETRO ビジネス短信jetro.go.jp ↗

Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.

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