2026.02.2004:00:00UTC+00Malaysia’s Trade Surplus Widens to 21.40B in January 2026

Malaysia’s trade surplus expanded in January 2026, with the trade balance rising to 21.40B from 19.30B in December 2025. The latest figures, updated on 20 February 2026, indicate a continued strengthening of the country’s external position at the start of the year.

The January outcome marks an increase of 2.10B in the trade balance compared with the previous month, suggesting that exports continued to outpace imports heading into 2026. While detailed breakdowns of sector performance or trading partners are not provided, the higher surplus underscores Malaysia’s ongoing reliance on external demand as a driver of economic momentum.

The improvement in the trade balance will be closely watched by policymakers and market participants, as it can influence expectations for growth, currency dynamics, and external vulnerability in the coming months.