Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Russia grew 7% to RM3.55 billion from January to May 2026, defying global supply chain disruptions.
KUALA LUMPUR: Trade relations between Malaysia and Russia continue to grow positively amidst disruptions to global supply chains caused by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said total bilateral trade rose by 7.0% to RM3.55 billion for the period of January to May 2026, compared to the same period the previous year.
Of that total, Malaysia’s exports to Russia amounted to RM1.10 billion, while imports from Russia were valued at RM2.45 billion, according to the ministry.
MITI said that in 2025, Russia was Malaysia’s 31st largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade valued at RM8.72 billion, representing 0.28% of Malaysia’s total trade of RM3.061 trillion or about 0.5% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Exports were valued at RM2.91 billion and imports at RM5.81 billion, the ministry said.
Malaysia’s main exports to Russia included processed food products, palm oil and palm-based products, electrical and electronic (E&E) products, halal products, machinery and industrial components, as well as chemicals and chemical products.
Meanwhile, main imports from Russia consist of petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products, metals, fertilisers, mineral products and industrial raw materials.
“In addition to the trade of goods, both countries have also identified potential cooperation in strategic sectors such as aerospace, energy, digital technology, artificial intelligence, green industry, shipbuilding and hydrogen technology,” MITI said on the parliament website in reply to a question from Senator Datuk Wu Him Ven regarding Russia-Malaysia trade, including export and import values as well as the percentage share of trade with Russia.
For the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) at MIHAS 2026, MITI said participation is expected to rise to four importers from two the previous year.
Also, 15 Russian companies have registered as exhibitors for MIHAS 2026 as of July 14; this participation is expected to unlock further export opportunities for Malaysian products, particularly halal goods, while strengthening trade relations and business cooperation with Russia.
Malaysia will leverage its position as a regional logistics and trade hub to reinforce its role as a gateway to the ASEAN market, thereby enhancing the nation’s competitiveness in international trade.
