Key points
- Malaysia’s jewellery industry is backed by a well-established network of artisans, manufacturers and micro-financing partners, while the country’s 916 gold standard remains an important feature of its gold jewellery business.
- 13 billion in the first half of 2026, extending the strong momentum of a sector that recorded an unprecedented RM22.
- As Malaysia’s first large-scale industry-led gold festival and exhibition, MGF 2026 will also provide a new meeting point for manufacturers, traders, jewellers and other businesses involved in the country’s gold industry.
Malaysia’s jewellery trade climbed 10 per cent to RM12.13 billion in the first half of 2026, extending the strong momentum of a sector that recorded an unprecedented RM22.46 billion in total trade last year.Malaysia’s jewellery industry continued its strong performance in the first half of 2026, with total trade rising 10 per cent to RM12.13 billion. The latest increase follows a record-breaking 2025, when the country’s jewellery trade surged 22.5 per cent to RM22.46 billion, driven by growth in both exports and imports.
Image Credit: Bangkok Gems News
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) deputy chief executive officer for Export Acceleration S. Jai Shankar said the continued expansion reflected the strength of the Malaysian jewellery industry. The latest figures, this Gems and Jewelry News report notes, also point to growing international confidence in Malaysian jewellery, with exports reaching RM10.1 billion last year and several major overseas markets accounting for a substantial share of shipments.
Jewellery Exports Rise to RM10.1 Billion
Malaysia’s jewellery exports increased 9.3 per cent to RM10.1 billion in 2025, with personal ornaments accounting for 85.5 per cent of the total. Jai Shankar said the performance demonstrated international confidence in Malaysian craftsmanship and quality.
Imports grew at an even faster pace, jumping 35.8 per cent to RM12.3 billion. The sharp increase reflected strong demand among Malaysian consumers while also underlining the country’s position within international jewellery retail supply networks.
Malaysia’s export figures reveal a particularly strong concentration of business in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The United Arab Emirates was the country’s largest jewellery export market in 2025, with shipments valued at RM3.4 billion, accounting for 33.9 per cent of total exports.
Singapore was close behind at RM3.1 billion, representing 30.2 per cent, while neighboring Thailand ranked third with RM1.1 billion, or 10.7 per cent.
Australia accounted for RM700 million, representing 6.8 per cent of exports, followed by Hong Kong at RM600 million, or 6.2 per cent.
916 Gold Remains at the Heart of Production
Malaysia’s jewellery industry is backed by a well-established network of artisans, manufacturers and micro-financing partners, while the country’s 916 gold standard remains an important feature of its gold jewellery business.
Production is heavily concentrated in Penang and the Klang Valley, which together account for more than 80 per cent of Malaysia’s gold jewellery output.
While traditional goldsmithing remains an important part of the industry, manufacturers have also adopted newer production technologies, including 3D engraving. This allows producers to combine established jewellery-making skills with modern manufacturing techniques.
Malaysia’s multicultural identity is equally visible in its jewellery. Designs draw on Malay heritage, Chinese symbolism and Indian motifs, while contemporary minimalist pieces have become another part of the product mix.
The variety gives manufacturers considerable scope to produce jewellery for different markets and consumer preferences without abandoning the craftsmanship on which the industry has built its reputation.
Malaysia Gold Festival Makes Its Debut
The industry’s growing profile will be highlighted at the inaugural Malaysia Gold Festival 2026, scheduled for September 18 to 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Organized by the Malaysia Gold Association, the festival is co-organized by the Malaysia Indian Goldsmith Jewellers Association, Persatuan Pajak Gadai Islam Malaysia and Province Wellesley Gold and Silver Ornament Merchants Association.
The three-day event will bring together participants from across the gold and precious metals industry, with exhibitions, business networking, industry forums, educational programmes, cultural showcases and public engagement activities.
As Malaysia’s first large-scale industry-led gold festival and exhibition, MGF 2026 will also provide a new meeting point for manufacturers, traders, jewellers and other businesses involved in the country’s gold industry.
Record Growth Puts Malaysia in a Strong Position
The RM12.13 billion recorded in the first half of 2026 shows that Malaysia’s jewellery sector has continued to grow after its record performance last year. Strong export relationships with the UAE and Singapore, sizeable domestic demand and an established manufacturing base in Penang and the Klang Valley remain important drivers of the industry.
With manufacturers combining traditional craftsmanship with newer production technologies and Malaysia Gold Festival 2026 bringing the wider industry together in September, the country has an opportunity to build further on its recent gains. Maintaining demand in major export markets while developing new business connections will be crucial if the sector is to extend its strong run and reinforce Malaysia’s position in the regional jewellery trade.
