By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 21: Sarawak recorded RM120.8 billion in exports and RM60.5 billion in imports, resulting in a trade surplus of RM60.3 billion in 2025.
From January to August 2026, exports increased by 16 per cent year-on-year to RM91.2 billion, while imports grew by eight per cent to RM43.5 billion.
Sarawak remained Malaysia’s fourth-largest exporting State, contributing 5.4 per cent of national exports, said Minister of International trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The next task, he said, is to diversify markets and help SMEs (small and medium enterprises) overcome barriers in certification, financing, logistics and access to buyers.
“In this regard, my Ministry will implement the Sarawak Trade Growth Strategy to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify markets and prepare more SMEs for international trade.
“The Made in Sarawak Export Programme will complement these efforts by improving product quality, certification and branding to meet international market requirements.
“We will also strengthen trade promotion and business linkages through our offices in Singapore (STATOS) and Brunei (STATOB), working closely with MATRADE, MIDA and industry partners to connect Sarawak businesses with overseas buyers and commercial opportunities,” said Awang Tengah when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech during Sarawak Legislature held at Sarawsak Legislative Assembly Complex here today.
He held that international trade remains a key driver of Sarawak’s economy. However, Sarawak exporters continue to face challenges from rising logistics costs, changing trade policies, exchange-rate fluctuations and increasing global competition.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah who is also Deputy Premier reported that this year, a delegation of 19 companies from the Singapore Business Federation visited Sarawak to explore business opportunities, while 28 Sarawak companies participated in business engagements with Brunei.
Events such as the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026, showcase Usahawan Sarawak and the Borneo Native Festival further strengthened efforts to promote local products, build business networks and expand market access.
“Building on these engagements, we will continue to facilitate business connections and follow-up opportunities to translate growing market interest into export orders, distribution agreements and long-term business partnerships, creating greater opportunities for Sarawak enterprises,” said Awang Tengah who is Bukit Sari assemblyman (GPS-PBB). —DayakDaily
