Malaysia Exports September 2026 Jump 54.5% as Q3 GDP Grows 5.3%: What It Means for Factories
DOSM data shows September 2026 exports up 54.5% to RM215.1 billion and Q3 manufacturing growth of 7.5%. Here is what it means for factory owners, tenants and buyers in Klang Valley.
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Key Takeaways
- Malaysia's exports rose 54.5% year on year to RM215.1 billion in September 2026, and total trade climbed 53.7% to RM396.5 billion, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
- Manufactured goods made up 89.1% of exports and grew 58.6% to RM191.6 billion, led by electrical and electronic (E&E) products at RM110.2 billion.
- The advance estimate for the third quarter shows GDP growth of 5.3%, with manufacturing strengthening to 7.5% and construction growing 6.0% on data centre projects, as reported by Malay Mail.
- Capital goods imports rose 20.9% to RM22.3 billion, a sign that factories are still buying machinery, not only shipping more goods.
- For factory owners, tenants and buyers in Klang, Port Klang and Shah Alam, the numbers point to steady demand for production space, port side warehousing and high power units, but the gains are concentrated in E&E and export supply chains.
What happened
Two sets of official numbers landed within four days of each other. On 16 October 2026, DOSM released its advance GDP estimate for the third quarter of 2026. The economy grew 5.3%, down from 6.0% in the second quarter, while growth for the first nine months reached 5.5%, compared with 4.8% in the same period of 2025. All sectors except mining and quarrying contributed.
The detail that matters most for industrial property is manufacturing. The sector grew 7.5% in the third quarter, up from 7.3% in the second, backed by export oriented industries, especially electrical, electronic and optical products and petroleum, chemicals, rubber and plastics products. Construction grew 6.0%, helped by the non residential building segment and, in DOSM's words, particularly data centre construction projects. DOSM will publish the more detailed preliminary GDP on 18 November 2026.
Then on 19 October, DOSM published the September 2026 external trade bulletin. The headline figures:
| Item (September 2026) | Value | Change year on year |
|---|---|---|
| Exports | RM215.1 billion | +54.5% |
| Imports | RM181.4 billion | +52.7% |
| Total trade | RM396.5 billion | +53.7% |
| Trade balance | RM33.7 billion | up from RM20.5 billion |
| Manufactured exports | RM191.6 billion | +58.6% |
| E&E exports | RM110.2 billion | +69.2% |
| Capital goods imports | RM22.3 billion | +20.9% |
The United States stayed the top export market at RM38.0 billion, or 17.7% of exports, up 89.9%, driven by E&E products. Singapore followed at RM35.5 billion, up 50.4%. On the import side, intermediate goods rose 69.6% to RM92.1 billion, mainly parts and accessories of capital goods. For January to September, total trade rose 30.1% to RM2.9 trillion and the trade surplus jumped 115.7% to RM232.4 billion. The same day, DOSM reported that inflation eased to 1.8% in September from 1.9% in August, according to Bernama via Malay Mail.
Why it matters for industrial property
Export growth on this scale has to be made, stored and moved somewhere. Three links to the factory market stand out.
Production space stays in demand
Manufacturing growing faster than the overall economy, two quarters running, is the clearest signal that factory floor space is being used. When E&E and other export manufacturers run near capacity, they first add shifts, then rent overflow space, then look for a second plant. That chain usually shows up as enquiries for semi detached and detached factories with good power supply, rather than small terrace units.
Capital goods imports point to new lines
The 20.9% rise in capital goods imports, with capital goods other than transport equipment up 28.3%, tells us companies are installing new machinery. New machines often need more floor loading, a higher ceiling for cranes or a bigger TNB supply. Owners of older factories with low power or low ceilings should expect tenants to ask about these specs before signing.
Port side logistics feels the volume first
Most Selangor exports and imports pass through Port Klang. Higher container volume tends to push demand for warehouses, container yards and haulage depots around Westport, Northport and Pulau Indah. JPPH registered tenancies for Klang and Port Klang show a median factory rent of RM1.43 psf per month over 24 months, with detached factories at RM1.22 psf per month, so tenants still have room to compare before committing. Our Klang and Port Klang transaction prices and rents page tracks these registered figures month by month.
A note of caution
These are headline numbers, and the growth is narrow. E&E alone is more than half of exports, and the jump in US bound shipments is large enough to reverse if trade policy changes. Third quarter GDP growth also slowed from the second quarter. A food processor, furniture maker or plastics plant will not necessarily feel the same lift as a semiconductor supplier. Treat the data as a reason to plan ahead, not a reason to rush.
What factory owners, tenants and buyers can do now
- Owners with vacant or soon to expire units: check what export manufacturers ask for, usually power supply, floor loading, loading bays and clear height, and fix what you can before the next viewing.
- Tenants in E&E or export supply chains: if your lease ends in the next 12 months and you expect to grow, start the search early. Good units near the port and with high power do not stay vacant long.
- Buyers: compare registered prices, not asking prices. In Klang and Port Klang, JPPH data over 24 months shows semi detached factories at a median RM5 million and RM337 psf of land, and detached factories at a median RM14.9 million and RM270 psf of land.
- Logistics operators: look at the Westport and Pulau Indah warehouse listings and read our comparison of Westport, Northport and PKFZ before choosing a zone.
- Everyone: watch the preliminary GDP release on 18 November 2026 for confirmation of the manufacturing trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Malaysia's exports grow in September 2026?
Exports rose 54.5% year on year to RM215.1 billion in September 2026, according to DOSM. Imports grew 52.7% to RM181.4 billion, and the trade balance reached RM33.7 billion. Manufactured goods made up 89.1% of all exports.
What was Malaysia's GDP growth in the third quarter of 2026?
DOSM's advance estimate puts third quarter GDP growth at 5.3%, down from 6.0% in the second quarter. Manufacturing grew 7.5% and construction 6.0%. Growth for the first nine months of 2026 was 5.5%.
Does strong export data mean factory rents will rise?
Not automatically. Export growth raises demand for production space and port side warehousing, but rents also depend on new supply and the type of unit. JPPH registered tenancies in Klang and Port Klang show a median factory rent of RM1.43 psf per month over the past 24 months.
Which factories benefit most from the export surge?
The gains are concentrated in E&E, which accounted for 51.2% of September exports, and in supply chains linked to the United States and Singapore. Units with strong power supply, good floor loading and easy access to Port Klang are the most sought after by these manufacturers.
When is the next official GDP update?
DOSM will release the preliminary GDP for the third quarter of 2026 on 18 November 2026. It gives a fuller breakdown by sector than the advance estimate.
FactoryHub is dedicated to helping every client find the right factory or warehouse. For factories, warehouses or industrial land in Klang, Port Klang and Shah Alam, contact Peter Tan (REN 12771) at 016-666 6872 or Jason Low (PEA 1478) at 012-288 1834.
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Focused on Malaysia industrial real-estate research and transactions across the Klang Valley and Nilai corridors. Every article is grounded in our own deal flow and licensed-agent sources.
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