Milk and cream market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The Malaysian milk and cream market volume grew from 88,085 t in 2018 to 97,568 t in 2022, supported by consumer shifts toward convenient and health-conscious dairy products. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly increased demand for packaged and shelf-stable milk and cream, accelerating volume growth as households stocked up on long-life items.

Government programs to boost local milk production continued throughout the period, aiming for self-sufficiency, though imports remained substantial to meet demand. From 2021, rising consumer interest in organic and locally sourced dairy contributed to value growth, while the implementation of mandatory nutrition labeling in July 2022 aimed to increase transparency without halting volume expansion that year.

Market volume contracted to 81,622 t in 2023, with value falling to $137.7 million. This followed regulatory developments, including public consultations to update milk product regulations for safety, and a growing consumer preference for plant-based alternatives noted in prior years, which may have influenced traditional dairy consumption.

Production milk and cream in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of milk and cream, 2018-2021

Malaysia's milk and cream production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 50 681 tonnes, which represents a 5.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2019 at 53 722 tonnes, with that year also seeing the largest annual increase of 4.3%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Malaysia's milk and cream production value has now fallen for three consecutive years. In 2021, output was valued at 56 610 thousand US dollars, marking a slight decline of 2.6% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value decreased by 26.2%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of -9.6%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

Malaysia's milk and cream exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 14 135 tonnes, which is 13.5% higher than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 500.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 81.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei Darussalam formed the core export markets for Malaysia's milk and cream in volume terms. Singapore accounted for 50.6% of exports, Thailand for 23.6%, and Brunei Darussalam for 14.9%. Together, these three markets represented 89.0% 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 milk and cream export value has risen for the third year running. In 2021, exports reached 15 788 thousand US dollars, showing a robust increase of 16.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 350.1%, equating to a compound annual growth rate of 65.1%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei Darussalam remained the key partners for Malaysia's milk and cream exports in value terms. Singapore held a 42.3% share, Thailand 24.4%, and Brunei Darussalam 24.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 91.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

Malaysia's milk and cream imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totaled 57 812 tonnes, up by 10.9% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 48.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia and New Zealand clearly dominated Malaysia's milk and cream imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 83.7% of total flows. Other countries held much smaller shares during this period.

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

Malaysia's milk and cream import value has increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports were recorded at 93 472 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a strong improvement of 22.0% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value rose by 66.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany formed the core group of markets for Malaysia's milk and cream imports in value terms. Australia accounted for 46.1% of imports, New Zealand for 27.1%, and Germany for 5.4%. Together, these three countries represented 78.6% of total import value.

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

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