A rich run of exports

Oil, LNG and palm oil propel Sarawak’s total trade to RM117.1B this year

SARAWAK’S exports surged by 14.7 per cent to RM79.2 billion in the first seven months of 2026, pushing total trade to RM117.1 billion.

The 12.3 per cent increase in trade was driven by stronger shipments of crude petroleum, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude palm oil (CPO).

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said imports rose by a slower 7.6 per cent to RM38 billion, leaving the state with a RM41.2 billion trade surplus.

“The improvement in Sarawak’s exports during the first seven months of this year was broad-based across our major commodities, reflecting gains in both volumes and values,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 yesterday.

Crude petroleum export earnings benefited from higher global prices.

Although shipment volumes grew by only 1.5 per cent to 2.72 million tonnes, export value jumped by 13.7 per cent as Brent crude averaged around US$91 per barrel.

LNG exports also gained momentum, with volumes climbing by 22.8 per cent to 16.44 million tonnes and export value rising by 19.8 per cent.

The palm oil sector registered similarly strong growth.

CPO export volumes increased by 17.4 per cent to 2.43 million tonnes, while production rose by 7.3 per cent to 2.5 million tonnes.

Plantation productivity improved, with fresh fruit bunch yields increasing by 6.5 per cent to 12.8 tonnes per hectare.

The oil extraction rate reached 19.59 per cent, while CPO prices remained firm at RM4,300 to RM4,450 per tonne.

Abang Johari said seasonal yield improvements should help sustain production, although weather conditions and fluctuating commodity prices remained concerns.

The strong export showing placed Sarawak fourth nationwide, behind Pulau Pinang, Johor and Selangor.

He said the performance reflected the resilience of the state’s resource-based economy amid global market volatility.

However, he stressed that economic diversification and value creation would remain crucial to sustaining long-term growth.