Malaysia Records Historic Trade Performance, Strengthening Global and US Tech Ecosystem Partnerships
Malaysia achieved a historic, record-high trade performance, with total trade surpassing RM3 trillion (USD 715.95 billion), representing a 6.3% year-on-year increase. Exports rose 6.5% to RM1.61 trillion (USD 375.77 billion), marking the fifth consecutive year that Malaysia’s exports exceeded the RM1 trillion threshold. This strong performance resulted in a trade surplus of RM151.8 billion (USD 35.58 billion), underscoring the resilience and competitiveness of Malaysian exporters in the global market.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and the United States also recorded robust growth for the second consecutive year, expanding 13.0% to RM367.47 billion (USD 85.88 billion) and accounting for 12.0% of Malaysia’s total trade. Exports to the US reached a new record high, rising 17.2% to RM233.08 billion (USD 54.54 billion), driven largely by strong demand for semiconductors, electrical and electronics (E&E) products, machinery, equipment, and parts.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s imports from the US increased 6.4% to RM134.39 billion (USD 31.34 billion), led similarly by advanced E&E products, machinery, and transport equipment.
The semiconductor and E&E sectors continue to play a foundational role in the nation’s export growth, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a critical hub in the global microelectronics supply chain. Backed by world-class testing and assembly capabilities, highly mature chip manufacturing clusters, and a robust engineering talent pool, Malaysia remains a trusted partner and high-value source for both front-end and back-end electronics manufacturing.
Rising global demand—particularly from US technology companies seeking resilient, diversified, and advanced manufacturing networks—has created unprecedented partnership opportunities for Malaysian tech exporters. Increasingly, Malaysian components are deeply integrated into the infrastructure that drives everything from automotive technology to next-generation computing and AI architectures.
To further strengthen international sourcing and integration within global chip networks, MATRADE actively supports targeted matchmaking initiatives. This includes strategic sourcing programs anchored at SEMICON Southeast Asia, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. This premier regional exposition serves as a major gateway for global technology corporations looking to tap directly into Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding semiconductor capabilities.
Furthermore, to bring these advanced capabilities directly to North American technology firms, MATRADE will showcase Malaysia’s elite microelectronics ecosystem at the upcoming SEMICON West 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Malaysian Pavilion at SEMICON West will bring together established Malaysian exporters from various segments, including advanced packaging providers, semiconductor manufacturers, and equipment suppliers.
The pavilion is specifically designed to facilitate strategic B2B sourcing meetings, partnership development, and technical collaborations that help unlock reliable supply chain solutions for the global technology economy.
MATRADE remains deeply committed to delivering tangible supply chain advantages and fostering strong partnerships between Malaysian component manufacturers and US technology businesses. Through high-value collaboration in advanced manufacturing, precision wafer fabrication infrastructure, and scalable technology supply chains, MATRADE continues to drive sustainable, high-impact growth in this vital bilateral relationship.
For US-based enterprises looking to tap into Malaysia’s robust export sectors, MATRADE Los Angeles focuses heavily on driving trade in semiconductors, electrical and electronics products, furniture, and food and beverage (F&B) products. Operating as a comprehensive trade hub, the office is fully equipped to assist US businesses with a wide range of sourcing requirements—whether identifying specialized technology components, procuring high-quality consumer products, or facilitating targeted B2B matchmaking.
To explore customized partnership opportunities or connect at the Malaysian Pavilion during SEMICON West 2026, please contact MATRADE Los Angeles at losangeles@matrade.gov.my
Originally published at https://www.globalchamber.org/blog/2026/06/24/global-chamber/malaysia-strengthens-global-and-us-tech-trade-ties/
