Malaysia's trade with BRICS countries rises 20pct to RM481bil in first half of 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's trade with BRICS member countries rose 20 per cent to RM481.02 billion in the first half of this year.
Trade between Malaysia and BRICS countries surged by 20% in the first half of 2026, reaching RM481.02 billion, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. This increase was primarily driven by a 17.4% rise in exports to RM181.4 billion and a 21.7% rise in imports to RM299.62 billion compared to the same period last year.
The top three BRICS trading partners for Malaysia are China, Indonesia, and India, which comprise approximately 90% of total trade. This growth comes as Malaysia seeks to diversify its economic partners, lessen dependence on traditional markets, and amplify the voice of developing nations in global economic and financial governance.
Lukanisman highlighted that BRICS cooperation provides unique advantages, enabling Malaysia to access fresh markets lacking existing free trade agreements, attract investments, and facilitate technology transfers in strategic sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. The country's focus remains on boosting exports of electrical goods, semiconductors, and palm oil, alongside collaborations in food and energy security and expanding services like tourism, education, healthcare, and Islamic finance.
Foreign policy-wise, Malaysia remains impartial and will continue addressing the South China Sea disputes through established bilateral channels.
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.
