Malaysia’s March exports rise 8.3% on year, below forecast

Published Mon, Apr 20, 2026 · 01:13 PM [KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia’s exports rose 8.3 per cent from a year earlier in March, slower than forecast, government data showed on Monday (Apr 20). March’s exports had been expected to grow 11.7 per cent, according to economists polled by Reuters. Imports in March expanded 10.4 per cent from a year earlier, data from the trade ministry showed, below the poll’s estimate of a 12.5 per cent increase. Malaysia recorded a trade surplus of RM24.6 billion (S$7.9 billion) in March. Analysts had expected a surplus of RM25.1 billion. REUTERS Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.