U.S. pork exports to Malaysia have gained significant momentum in recent months, due in part to the impact of African swine fever on domestic production and tightening supplies of European pork. While Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, the non-Muslim portion of its population has a very strong appetite for pork.
Jim Remcheck, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) director of export services, explains that in the past, it was difficult for U.S. pork plants to gain eligibility for Malaysia. But that situation has improved, with five U.S. facilities becoming eligible last year and another recently being approved without the need for an on-site audit. Remcheck adds that USMEF is also working to gain eligibility for more U.S. beef facilities, but this is more complicated due to the halal aspect of Malaysia’s beef plant approval process.
Last year U.S. pork exports to Malaysia reached 5,170 metric tons valued at $16.3 million – up more than 1,500% from 2022. Through May of this year, exports are about 50% above the 2023 pace, already topping $10 million in value.
