Malaysia
U.S. Trade with Malaysia in 2023
Export Market Rank
#29 Among U.S. Agricultural Export Markets
Total Export Value
$830.85 Million
3-Year Average
$1.03 Billion
Compound Average Growth
-1.21% (2014-2023)
Total Export Value 2014 - 2023
Export Value by Commodity 2023
Top 10 Exports to Malaysia in 2023
| Commodity | Total Value (USD) | Total Volume (Metric Tons) | 10-Year Average Value (USD) | 10-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | $168.28 Million | 270,366 | $203.44 Million | 2% |
| Dairy Products | $125.89 Million | 44,270 | $135.05 Million | -31% |
| Food Preparations | $87.35 Million | 3,217 | $101.88 Million | -4% |
| Cotton | $51.85 Million | 25,678 | $67.03 Million | 624% |
| Processed Vegetables | $49.67 Million | 29,072 | $57.02 Million | 7% |
| Wheat | $43.32 Million | 122,957 | $61.03 Million | -28% |
| Tree Nuts | $35.31 Million | 6,108 | $33.16 Million | 23% |
| Other Feeds, Meals & Fodders | $35.04 Million | 24,802 | $34.38 Million | -28% |
| Soybean Meal | $32 Million | 60,414 | $11.35 Million | 302% |
| Fresh Fruit | $20.32 Million | 8,359 | $39.85 Million | -71% |
Data and Analysis
There have been no major changes to Malaysia's biotechnology regulations in the past year. The country continues to review its Biosafety Act, including how it will regulate gene edited products in the future. Malaysia currently has 61 genetically engineered (GE) products approved for import.
Post forecasts Malaysia’s palm oil production in MY 24/25 at 19.2 million metric tons (MT), a decrease from MY 23/24 projections due to delayed effects of the El Niño season.
After strong growth in 2023, the food retail sector is expected to see moderate but positive growth in the remainder of 2024. Expansion of convenience stores and small format retail outlets continues, while premium supermarkets have also expanded.
News and Features
Looking to increase U.S. exporter presence in Southeast Asian markets, a U.S. Department of Agriculture delegation, led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor, expanded existing trade ties in Malaysia and Singapore earlier this month.
Leaders from three state agriculture departments and 29 U.S. agribusinesses and organizations will accompany U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor on a trade mission to Southeast Asia October 30 – November 3 to expand export opportunities for U.S. food and farm products to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the world’s fourth-largest market.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for a two-country agricultural trade mission to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Singapore on Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, 2023.