0730 GMT - While Malaysia's 2026 export outlook appears broadly optimistic, uncertainty around global trade policies and geopolitical tensions warrant close monitoring, RHB senior economist Chin Yee Sian says in a note. Export growth is projected at 9.3% in 2026, supported by resilient global demand and continued strength in electrical and electronics exports, driven by semiconductors demand amid structural drivers such as AI and data centers, she says. Commodity exports, including palm oil and petroleum products, will remain sensitive to global price trends, she notes. Malaysia's relatively low trade exposure to the Middle East should limit direct impact, but a prolonged escalation could weigh on global demand and external trade, she adds. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 19, 2026 03:30 ET (07:30 GMT)
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