Malaysia's jewellery trade hits RM12.13bil in 1H 2026 – Matrade
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s total jewellery trade grew 10 per cent to RM12.13 billion in the first half of 2026 (1H 2026), sustaining the industry’s strong momentum following a record performance last year.
Malaysia's jewellery trade reached RM12.13 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 10% increase from the previous period. This growth underscores the strength of the country's jewellery industry and the growing global confidence in Malaysia's trade capabilities. In 2025, the total jewellery trade surged by 22.5% to RM22.46 billion, driven by strong growth in both exports and imports.
Jewellery exports rose by 9.3% to RM10.1 billion, with personal ornaments accounting for 85.5% of total exports. Imports surged by 35.8% to RM12.3 billion, indicating strong domestic consumer demand and Malaysia's growing role in global retail supply networks. The United Arab Emirates was Malaysia's largest export market, accounting for 33.9% of total exports, followed by Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and Hong Kong.
Malaysia's jewellery industry is supported by a strong ecosystem of artisans, manufacturers, and micro-financing partners, and is anchored in Penang and the Klang Valley. The industry combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technologies and incorporates Malay heritage, Chinese symbolism, Indian motifs, and modern minimalist designs.
The inaugural Malaysia Gold Festival (MGF) 2026, the country's first large-scale industry-led gold festival and exhibition, will showcase the industry's strengths and bring together stakeholders across the gold and precious metals ecosystem.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
