OKTOBER 2026
SARAWAK RECORDS RM41.2 BILLION TRADE SURPLUS AS EXPORTS SURGE
KUCHING, 12 October 2026 — Sarawak's trade surplus widened to RM41.2 billion in the first seven months of 2026 as exports surged 14.7 per cent to RM79.2 billion, outpacing import growth amid strong demand for the state's major commodities.
Premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said total trade rose 12.3 per cent to RM117.1 billion, while imports increased 7.6 per cent to RM38 billion.
"On the external front, Sarawak's trade performance has remained robust," he said when tabling the Sarawak Budget 2027 on the first day of the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.
The export growth was broad-based, with crude petroleum, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude palm oil (CPO) recording increases in both volume and value.
Crude petroleum exports rose 1.5 per cent to 2.72 million tonnes, while their value increased 13.7 per cent, supported by Brent crude prices averaging about US$91 per barrel during the period.
LNG exports recorded stronger growth, with volumes climbing 22.8 per cent to 16.44 million tonnes and export value rising 19.8 per cent.
CPO exports also increased 17.4 per cent to 2.43 million tonnes, further strengthening Sarawak's position as a major contributor to Malaysia's commodity exports.
The Premier said Sarawak ranked fourth among Malaysia's exporting states for the period, after Penang, Johor and Selangor.
"This strong performance underscores the resilience of Sarawak’s resource-based economy and its ability to generate substantial returns despite global market volatility," he said.
He added that continued economic diversification and value creation would be important to sustaining long-term growth, particularly amid uncertainties surrounding commodity prices, geopolitical developments and global trade.
Firmer external demand is expected to provide additional support to Sarawak's exports in 2027, although the outlook remains exposed to global economic risks.
Looking ahead, firmer external demand is expected to provide an additional boost to Sarawak's exports in 2027, complementing the state's broader economic growth prospects.