Browse Data and Analysis

Malaysia has a dynamic hotel and restaurant industry. Changing lifestyles and growing middle class underpins demand.

With per capita income of over $10,800 and a middle and upper class making up 50 percent of the population, Malaysia shows good potential for growth as a market for high value consumer products.

Introduction of a 6 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1, 2015 increased costs and discouraged transshipment of cotton from Malaysia to nearby regional markets.

Due to lower than forecast production in the first 6 months and expectations for a return to slightly above trend yields for the remainder of 2014/15, palm oil output is forecast at 19.5 million tons.