Overview

Malaysia’s external trade performance remained robust in March 2026, with total trade in goods increased by 9.3 per cent, or RM23.1 billion, to RM273.0 billion compared with the same month last year.

Exports rose by 8.3 per cent or RM11.4 billion to RM148.8 billion, while imports expanded by 10.4 per cent or RM11.7 billion to RM124.2 billion, year-on-year (y-o-y). Consequently, the trade balance registered a surplus of RM24.6 billion, decreasing by RM215.5 million as compared to March 2025.

On a month-on-month (m-o-m) comparison showed exports, imports, total trade and trade balance grew by 13.6 per cent, 8.7 per cent, 11.3 per cent and 47.0 per cent, respectively, compared to February 2026.

Performance of Exports

Exports continued to strengthen with an increase of 8.3 per cent or RM11.4 billion to reach RM148.8 billion, y-o-y.

The encouraging export growth was in line with increases in both re-exports and domestic exports. Re-exports valued at RM37.9 billion,  accounting for 25.5 per cent of total exports, surged by 38.3 per cent or RM10.5 billion. Domestic exports also increased by 0.9 per cent or RM957.8 million to RM110.9 billion, and represented 74.5 per cent of total exports.

Meanwhile, on a m-o-m comparison, exports increased by 13.6 per cent or RM17.8 billion. Based on m-o-m seasonally adjusted terms analysis, exports decreased by 2.7 per cent to RM141.7 billion.

Performance of Imports

Malaysia’s imports continued to record growth, rising by 10.4 per cent or RM11.7 billion in March 2026. This increase brought total imports to RM124.2 billion compared with the value recorded in the same month of the previous year. On a m-o-m comparison showed imports grew by 8.7 per cent or RM10.0 billion.

Based on seasonally adjusted m-o-m analysis, imports contracted by 6.5 per cent to RM119.6 billion.

On a y-o-y basis, imports by End Use recorded positive growth for capital goods (+RM3.2 billion, +24.7%). While, intermediate goods and consumption goods declined (-RM635.7 million, -1.1%) and (-RM760.1 million, -7.8%) respectively.

For interviews, press statement and clarification to the media, contact:
Baharudin Mohamad
Public Relation Officer
Email: baharudin[at]dosm.gov.my
Phone: 03 8090 4681

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