Cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market volume for cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in Malaysia expanded from 48,583 t to 84,589 t, a rise of 74%. This growth was primarily driven by increased domestic cocoa processing, supported by government initiatives. In 2018, Lembaga Koko Malaysia (LKM) actively promoted the cocoa sector, and the registration of 51 chocolate manufacturers and 216 entrepreneurs indicated a growing processing base. The following year, specific demand for Malaysian cocoa waste surged by 74.658%, encouraging higher production. By 2020, export revenues for cocoa and cocoa-based products reached RM6.29 billion, reflecting strong international demand that further stimulated local grinding and, consequently, waste generation.

The upward trend continued into 2023, when Malaysia maintained its position as a top-five global cocoa grinder, processing 370,000 t of beans annually. Government schemes, such as the Cocoa Production Output Incentive Programme (2021-2025) covering over 4,000 ha, aimed to boost bean output and directly supported the supply of cocoa by-products. Looking ahead, strategies for 2024-2025 focus on expanding cocoa cultivation area, promoting quality certifications like halal and 'Made in Malaysia' for export market access, and fostering innovation in downstream cocoa products. These measures are expected to sustain the production of cocoa shells and husks as the core cocoa industry evolves.

Production cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia ranked as the world's seventh-largest producer of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste.

Top producers of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2018-2021

World map of production of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2018-2021

Malaysia's production of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 72 400 tonnes, marking a significant increase of 24.9% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 89.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.8%.

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

Exports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports peaked in 2019 at 510 tonnes, then dropped sharply to a low of 114 tonnes in 2020, representing a 4.5-fold difference. The 2020 figure marked a sudden decrease of 77.7% year-over-year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 74.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, Brazil, and China were the leading destinations for Malaysia's exports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in volume terms. Indonesia accounted for 28.4% of exports, Brazil for 27.7%, and China for 19.2%, together making up 75.3% of total export flows.

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

Malaysia's cross-border shipments of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 183 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 403.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, exports grew by 418%, with an average annual growth rate of 73.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore, Japan, and China were the principal destinations for Malaysia's exports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in value terms. Singapore accounted for 49.6% of exports, Japan for 15.3%, and China for 9.5%, jointly representing 74.4% 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 cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Malaysia's imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in volume terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 1 016 tonnes, showing a sharp drop of 82.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 90.5%, with an average annual decline of 54.4%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, Ghana, and Singapore were the key partners for Malaysia's imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in volume terms. Indonesia accounted for 65.2% of imports, Ghana for 13.1%, and Singapore for 9.4%, together making up 87.7% of total import flows.

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

The import data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their highest point in 2019 at 3 678 thousand US dollars, then fell to a low of 483 thousand US dollars in 2021, a 7.6-fold difference. The 2021 figure was down by 77.1% year-over-year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 0.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire formed the main group of destinations for Malaysia's imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in value terms. Indonesia accounted for 45.9% of imports, Ghana for 27.6%, and Côte d'Ivoire for 12.4%, with a combined share of 86.0% 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