Browse Data and Analysis

Easing of border restrictions and re-opening of food businesses in 2022 have helped to drive post-pandemic recovery in Malaysia's hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) industry. Despite the pandemic and global supply chain impact, the demand for foreign consumer-oriented food and beverage products is strong.

This report provides information on the regulations and procedures for the importation of food and agricultural products from the United States to Malaysia. The report is supplemented by the Malaysia Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) – Export Certificate Report 2022.

This report provides information on the export certification requirements of the Government of Malaysia. This report supplements the Malaysia Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) – Country Report 2022.

Malaysia ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on Friday, September 30, 2022, becoming the ninth out of eleven countries to ratify the agreement.

Malaysia was the 25th largest export destination for U.S. agricultural products in 2021 and is a top prospect for exports of food and beverage ingredients because of its large and growing food processing industry. Food and beverages manufactured in Malaysia not only serve domestic consumers but are also exported to many neighboring countries. U.S. exporters of dairy products, fresh and processed potatoes, food-grade soy, processed fruit and juices, tree nuts and more have many opportunities to supply Malaysian industry which depends on imports for key ingredients and inputs, and in doing so will reach consumers across Malaysia and throughout Southeast Asia.

Effective June 1, 2022, Malaysia intends to ban export of poultry products to ensure sufficient domestic supply. This is the latest in a series of measures taken to try to combat rising food prices in the country.

As Malaysia's economy begins to recover from COVID-19 impacts, U.S. exporters can find strong opportunities in the retail food and food processing sectors. While recovery may take longer in the HRI sector, Malaysians' love of dining out and continued development of tourism will contribute to future growth in this area.