KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's semiconductor-related exports surged 82.4 per cent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026, compared with a 22.6 per cent increase in 2025, driven by strong global chip demand.

RHB Research said the performance was in line with the ongoing global technology upcycle, with World Semiconductor Trade Statistics forecasting a 108.1 per cent increase in global semiconductor sales this year.

Robust exports also supported domestic production, reflected in stronger growth in chip-related manufacturing.

"We expect robust global semiconductor demand to continue driving Malaysia's export performance through 2026 and into 2027," it said in a note.