Alcoholic beer market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The alcoholic beer market in Malaysia contracted sharply from 425 million liters in 2018 to 96 million liters in 2020. This was primarily driven by the country's stringent regulatory framework, including high excise duties and separate storage requirements for alcoholic beverages, which constrained domestic consumption. In 2020, a series of poisoning cases from illicit alcohol further undermined consumer confidence and prompted authorities to intensify market controls, accelerating the decline.

From 2021, the market began to recover, reaching 147 million liters by 2023. This turnaround was supported by the approval of beer sales in additional retail outlets such as convenience stores and Chinese medical shops in Kuala Lumpur, improving product accessibility. The entry of a new certified producer, Hin Huat Wine Merchants, in 2022 added to domestic production capacity, contributing to the market's gradual expansion during this period.

Production alcoholic beer in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

Top producers of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

World map of production of alcoholic beer, 2018-2021

Malaysia's alcoholic beer production has declined for two consecutive years. In 2021, production reached 128.9 M l, which represents a significant 35.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 58.4%, translating to an average annual decline of 25.4%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 350.0 M l. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 with a 12.9% rise, while the steepest drop was in 2020 with a 42.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Exports alcoholic beer from Malaysia

Exports in kind, M l

The market showed an unstable trend over the observed period. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 4.3-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2021. In 2021, Malaysia exported 42.8 M l of alcoholic beer, marking a sharp decline of 65.8% from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 182.3 M l, which also saw the largest annual increase of 120.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore was the dominant partner for Malaysia's alcoholic beer exports in kind, accounting for 72.9% of total flows. Other markets played a less significant role during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Alcoholic beer exports from Malaysia have declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, exports totaled 32 028 K $ US, reflecting a 3.1% decrease compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 58.8%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 25.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand formed the core of Malaysia's alcoholic beer exports in value terms. Singapore accounted for 57.5% of exports, Hong Kong for 18.6%, and Thailand for 6.6%. Together, these three markets represented 82.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021

Imports alcoholic beer to Malaysia

Imports in kind, M l

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their maximum in 2018 and dropped to a minimum in 2020, showing a 9.6-fold shift between these years. In 2021, Malaysia imported approximately 23.0 M l of alcoholic beer, reflecting a solid rise of 12.1% from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 20.5 M l, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 85.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore dominated Malaysia's alcoholic beer imports in kind, holding a share of 73.9% of total flows. Other markets had comparatively modest shares during this timeframe.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported alcoholic beer volumes in Malaysia have declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, imports were recorded at 25 650 K $ US, down by 4.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 56%, with an average annual decline of 24.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the three largest markets for Malaysia's alcoholic beer imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 57.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021