KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's trade and exports are expected to remain on a positive trajectory in May following robust growth in the first four months of the year, says Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof.

He said the outlook was supported by the strong performance recorded between January and April, when Malaysia's total trade expanded by 15.53% and exports grew by 19%, despite ongoing global supply chain disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

"Of course, we recognise that the current global crisis has had an impact on trade and export performance, particularly through disruptions to global supply chains.

"However, our MSMEs and exporters have remained resilient and sustained their exports," he told reporters after the opening of International Healthcare Week 2026 on Monday (June 15).

It was reported that Malaysia's total trade rose 15.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM1.127 trillion between January and April 2026, driven by surging demand for high-growth, high-value (HGHV) products and a deliberate strategy of market diversification.

Exports surged 19% to RM609.31bil, while imports increased by 11.1% to RM517.40bil, marking the highest values ever recorded for the January-April period.

Abu Bakar said the positive performance had been underpinned by healthy overseas demand for products such as electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductors, optical and scientific equipment, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Without revealing the May figures ahead of their official release on Friday (June 19), he said the available indicators pointed to another encouraging month.

"The trajectory remains positive. Our exports and trade continue to grow at a positive rate. The extent of that growth will be known when the official figures are announced," he said.

The Statistics Department (DOSM) and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry are scheduled to release Malaysia's May trade and export performance this Friday.