Beef and buffalo meat market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for beef and buffalo meat in Malaysia remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 189.8 and 194.9 thousand tonnes. This period was characterized by a critically low self-sufficiency rate of just 14.7%, necessitating imports to cover 85% of domestic needs. A declining cattle and buffalo population, coupled with a high domestic slaughter rate, constrained local production, which fell from 46.9 to 36.8 thousand tonnes. Instances of frozen buffalo meat smuggling and the mixing of different meat types in imports highlighted growing concerns over halal certification and labeling integrity, prompting regulatory attention.

Market volume surged to 243.9 thousand tonnes in 2022 and remained high at 242.7 thousand tonnes in 2023. This significant expansion was primarily driven by the implementation of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP), which capped retail prices for local beef and imported buffalo meat to curb inflation and maintain consumer demand. Concurrently, stringent enforcement actions against smuggling and fraudulent halal certificates channeled demand toward legal imports, with import volumes rising to over 205 thousand tonnes. Rising feed and corn import costs pressured local farmers, but the price control mechanism helped stabilize retail market conditions.

Looking ahead, policy efforts focus on long-term domestic production growth. Initiatives include cattle-oil palm integration projects and dairy buffalo/Wagyu ventures, supported by a national target to produce 100,000 tonnes of beef annually by 2030. Regulations on halal labeling and packaging continue to be enforced, and the maximum price control scheme remains active during key festive periods to manage meat affordability.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2018-2021

Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat production has declined for three consecutive years. In 2021, production reached 36 801 tonnes, representing a significant 11.1% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 21.6%, with an average annual decline of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Malaysia

Exports in kind, K t

Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat exports reached 1.2 thousand tonnes in 2021, marking a sharp 40.5% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 50.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.2 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 30.7% drop. The most substantial increase took place in 2019 with a 54.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore were the primary destinations for Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat exports, accounting for 76.4% of total export volume. Thailand represented 35.8% of exports, followed by Hong Kong at 24.5%, and Singapore at 16.2%.

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, M $ US

Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat export value showed notable fluctuations during the period. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2.6 million US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2021 at 4.8 million US dollars, representing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. The 2021 figure marked a substantial 80.7% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020 with a 10.0% decrease.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong were the main destinations for Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat exports by value, collectively accounting for 72.2% of total export value. Thailand represented 36.3% of export value, Singapore 23.1%, and Hong Kong 12.9%.

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

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

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Malaysia

Imports in kind, K t

Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat imports have increased for two consecutive years. In 2021, import volume reached 159.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest 3.7% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 4.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 147.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 with a 4.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018-2021, India dominated Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat import structure by volume, accounting for 80.9% of total imports, while other markets held comparatively smaller shares.

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, M $ US

Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat import value has increased for two consecutive years. In 2021, imports reached 560.6 million US dollars, representing a 9.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 8.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 466.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.9%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2020 with a 10.3% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, India dominated Malaysia's beef and buffalo meat import structure by value, accounting for 75.6% of total import value, with numerous other partners holding smaller shares.

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

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