- Malaysia is highly dependent on imports for food security (70%), even as a net agricultural exporter (highly concentrated in palm oil and rubber). The consumption of red meat, including pork, is reported to be as high as 90% foreign-sourced.
- Exporters can benefit from Malaysia's growing halal industry. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) currently recognizes three halal certification agencies in Canada:
- Halal Montreal Certification Authority
- Halal Monitoring Authority Canada (HMA Canada)
- the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of Canada (IFANCC)
- As more people join the middle class and incomes rise, there is greater awareness of public health issues. This means importers may be less focused on price, creating new opportunities for Canadian food and beverage products that are high-quality and nutritious.
Agriculture and processed foods market in Malaysia
Most Canadian exports to Malaysia are linked to the agriculture and processed foods sector. Malaysia's total agri-food and seafood imports from Canada in 2024 were approximately CAD $378.5 million. This is a significant increase from the previous year.
Wheat was Canada’s second largest export at CAD $110.7 million in 2024. That year, wheat accounted for 29% of Canada’s total agriculture and food exports to Malaysia. Other key exports were:
- soybean (CAD $92.8 million)
- pork (CAD $35.3 million)
- malt extract with flour and starch food preparations (CAD $12.2 million)
- food preparations (CAD $5.6 million)
Canada plays a critical role in the Malaysia palm oil industry through exports of potash, the key ingredient in fertilizer. Potash is Canada’s top export to Malaysia (CAD $227.6 million in 2024).
Key opportunities for Canadian agriculture and agri-food companies in Malaysia:
Industry highlights
9.6%
agriculture contribution to Malaysia’s GDP in 2023
1.87 million
jobs in Malaysia's agriculture sector in 2023
CAD $34.4 billion
total value of agriculture exports in 2024
- The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) came into force in Malaysia in 2022. This eliminated tariffs for key Canadian exports such as:
- sugar and chocolate confectionary, and food preparations containing cocoa
- prepared potatoes
- lobster and herring roe
- breads, cookies and other baked goods
- fresh apples, etc.
Notable challenges for Canadian agriculture and agri-food companies in Malaysia:
- Lack of options for direct logistical connections between Canada and Malaysia increases the cost of shipping
- Strong competition from regional players, such as Australia and Japan
- Relative lack of public awareness in Malaysia about Canadian production capabilities, as well as an assumption that Canadian products are not price competitive
- While it is possible to have a market presence in Malaysia without achieving halal certification, the distribution of non-halal products is limited to select outlets in major urban areas
Malaysia business landscape:
Malaysia is an upper middle-income economy, and a member of the:
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
- CPTPP
- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- Commonwealth
As of 2024, the population of Malaysia was estimated to be 34.3 million people. Its real gross domestic product (GDP) advanced by 5.1% from 2023, while the inflation rate remained stable at 1.8%.
- Real GDP: CAD $602.4 billion (2024)
- GDP per capita: CAD $8,380 (2024)
- Corruption Perception Index: 57 of 180 (2023) (Transparency International)
Bilateral trade remained stable in 2024, reaching CAD 5.2 billion. Canadian merchandise exports to Malaysia were CAD 1.3 billion in 2024, while imports were valued over CAD 3.9 billion in 2024. Imports consisted primarily of:
- industrial machinery
- rubber
- precision instruments
- furniture
- fats and oils
Heavily reliant on commodities such as hydrocarbons and palm oil, Malaysia is also a top exporter of electrical and electronic products.
Summary
Malaysia is a dynamic economy and a gateway to the increasingly important Southeast Asian region. Population growth and increasing wages are driving demand for Canadian agriculture and processed foods, which enjoy a good reputation as natural and safe. However, promotion of Canadian agricultural staples and pre-packaged brands is needed. The participation of Canadian exporters to local trade shows is useful in this context. Major annual trade shows in the agriculture and processed foods sector in Malaysia include:
- Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL in Kuala Lumpur (July 2025)
- Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair in Kuala Lumpur (July 2025)
- Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Kuala Lumpur (September 2025)
- Food and Hotel Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (September 2025)
For more information on Agriculture and Processed Foods, including Fish & Seafood and Alcohol Beverages, in the Malaysian market, please contact my.commerce@international.gc.ca.