Fresh papayas market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Malaysian fresh papaya market volume grew from 35 349 tonnes to 39 596 tonnes. This expansion was supported by the continued adoption of modern farming technologies, such as drones and IoT systems for field monitoring and crop management, which enhanced productivity and fruit quality. The focus on export-oriented varieties like Sekaki, cultivated under strict Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP), also helped direct production toward international markets while maintaining domestic supply.

In 2021, government-led sales and promotion programs assisted farmers in boosting incomes and stimulated local consumption, pushing market volume to 41 504 tonnes. However, a reported decline in the Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) indicated that domestic production was not fully meeting demand. The following year, the official launch of the eCOSS control system on 1 August 2022 for licensed packers, wholesalers, and retailers introduced stricter regulatory oversight. This change, coupled with persistent disease challenges like Papaya Dieback, contributed to a market contraction to 38 488 tonnes in 2022.

The market recovered to 41 552 tonnes in 2023, driven by a notable rise in consumer demand linked to growing health-consciousness and increased use of papaya in diverse cuisines. This demand surge, particularly evident from July 2023 onward during festive seasons, helped offset previous constraints and supported higher market volume.

Production fresh papayas in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia ranked 25th globally in fresh papaya production volume.

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2018-2021

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2018-2021

Fresh papaya production in Malaysia declined after two years of growth. In 2021, production reached 60 980 tonnes, down 1.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 15.2%, averaging 4.8% annually. The peak was recorded in 2020 at 61 776 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 15.1% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Malaysia's fresh papaya production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 19 317 thousand US dollars, a 3.4% decrease from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value fell by 14.2%, averaging a 5.0% annual decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports fresh papayas from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

Fresh papaya exports from Malaysia declined after two years of growth. In 2021, exports totaled 19 787 tonnes, a sharp 12.0% drop from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 9.8%, averaging 3.2% annually. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 22 487 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 18.2% also in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia's fresh papaya exports in volume were almost entirely directed to Singapore, which accounted for 97.2% of total 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 fresh papaya export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports stood at 6 268 thousand US dollars, a 13.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value fell by 18.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore dominated Malaysia's fresh papaya exports in value terms, holding a 94.2% share of total 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 fresh papayas to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Fresh papaya imports into Malaysia increased after two years of decline. In 2021, imports amounted to 312 tonnes, a slight 1.3% rise from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 30.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 307 tonnes, with the largest annual decline of 24.4% also in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand and Indonesia were the main sources of Malaysia's fresh papaya imports by volume, together accounting for 85.7% of total flows. Thailand held a 54.2% share, while Indonesia contributed 31.5%, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

Fresh papaya import value into Malaysia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports were valued at 130 thousand US dollars, up 13.2% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value rose by 2.5%, averaging 0.8% annually. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 106 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual decline of 16.9% also in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand and the Philippines led Malaysia's fresh papaya imports in value terms, together accounting for 81.3% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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