Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) announced that Malaysia's exports in 1Q26 rose 12.7% YoY to MYR426.53 billion, while imports increased 7.7% YoY to MYR363.31 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of MYR63.22 billion. Total trade grew 10.4% YoY to MYR789.85 billion. The country's total trade, exports and imports all reached record highs for a first quarter.During the period, export expansion was mainly driven by manufactured goods, particularly electrical and electronics (E&E) products, as well as optical and scientific instruments. Mining products (metal ores and scrap metal) also supported growth. Key export markets including mainland China, Taiwan and the United States recorded double-digit growth, while exports to ASEAN posted moderate expansion.In March alone, Malaysia's total trade rose 9.3% YoY to MYR272.95 billion. Exports increased 8.3% YoY to MYR148.75 billion, while imports climbed 10.4% YoY to MYR124.2 billion. The March trade surplus amounted to MYR24.55 billion, marking the 71st consecutive month of trade surplus since May 2020. Total trade, exports and imports for March all reached record highs for the month.MATRADE warned that rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia (Iran) have heightened global trade uncertainty, increased logistics costs and affected supply chain efficiency. (da/u)
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