Dried prunes market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried prunes in Malaysia expanded consistently from 792.3 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 1 286.4 thousand tons in 2022, before declining to 996.0 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was particularly pronounced in 2022, when rising consumer demand for both local and imported products, including halal-certified snacks sold through online and physical retail channels, supported market expansion. Additionally, the government's implementation of a Maximum Price Scheme for festive seasons helped stabilize prices and ensure supply availability during peak demand periods.

Domestic production fluctuated between 611.6 and 781.3 thousand tons during the period, while imports surged from 197.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 624.6 thousand tons in 2022, becoming a major contributor to market volume. The import ban on dried prunes from China, Taiwan, and several Asian countries due to excessive lead content led to stricter monitoring at borders and in the local market, potentially reshaping import sources without halting overall import growth. After 2022, imports dropped to 388.2 thousand tons in 2023 but rebounded strongly to 833.6 thousand tons in 2024 and 786.9 thousand tons in 2025, indicating ongoing volatility in supply channels.

Production dried prunes in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Malaysia ranked 21st globally in dried prune production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of dried prunes, 2018-2021

World map of production of dried prunes, 2018-2021

Malaysia's dried prune production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 611.6 t, marking a slight drop of 2.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 9.6%, averaging an annual decline of 3.3%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 781.3 t, which saw the largest increase of 15.5%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the steepest decline of 19.4%.

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

Exports dried prunes from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. They reached their peak in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.6-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Malaysia's foreign dried prune supplies totaled 70.3 t, representing a substantial increase of 212.7% from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 22.5 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 54.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand and Indonesia were the primary markets for Malaysia's dried prune exports in kind, together accounting for 92.6% of total flows. Other destinations held relatively smaller shares.

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

After a two-year decline, Malaysia's dried prune exports in value terms rebounded. In 2021, export volume reached 98 K $ US, showing a strong rise of 22.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 84.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -46.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 80 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 66.6%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Thailand dominated Malaysia's dried prune exports in value terms, concentrating 73.3% of the total. The remaining volume was distributed among various countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports dried prunes to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Malaysia's dried prune imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 559.6 t, amounting to a sharp rise of 32.0% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 183.9%, averaging an annual increase of 41.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Chile, the United States, and China were the main sources of Malaysia's dried prune imports in kind, accounting for 44.0%, 23.2%, and 16.1% respectively. Together, they represented 83.3% 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 market displayed an unstable trend during this timeframe. Import volumes in value terms fell to their lowest in 2019 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Malaysia's dried prune import volume reached 1 818 K $ US, which is 100.7% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 652 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with a drop of 14.6%.

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

Over 2018-2021, Chile, China, and the United States were the key destinations for Malaysia's dried prune imports in value terms, absorbing 48.3%, 15.1%, and 13.9% respectively. Together, they accounted for 77.2% of total imports, making them the primary sources.

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

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