Malaysia opens market to US pork in landmark trade deal

Data from the National Pork Producers Council show US pork exports to Malaysia hit record levels of over USD 24.5 million in 2024.

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Malaysia opens market to US pork in landmark trade deal

Food porciNews Asia

Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia have has agreed to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US agricultural goods, including pork. The agreement was announced during US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the US–Southeast Asia summit in Kuala Lumpur.

NPPC welcomes Malaysia deal as economic opportunity

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) praised the deal with Malaysia, calling it an opportunity with “enormous economic potential” for US pork producers. NPPC represents over 60,000 American pork producers who follow ethical standards in animal care, environmental protection, and food safety.

“America’s pork producers are grateful to President Trump for increasing market access to Malaysia,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler. “Malaysia has been importing US pork despite limited plant eligibility, and this deal expands that access.”

Mr Stateler emphasized the importance of exports, noting that more than 25% of US pork production is sold overseas.

“Producers count on exports to help keep their farms afloat, especially in times of uncertainty,” he said.

Expanded access and regulatory clarity

NPPC outlined key provisions of the Malaysia agreement. All US facilities listed in the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) directory will be eligible to export pork. Malaysia will not require additional product or facility registration, and it will accept the standard FSIS export certificate.

Cambodia has agreed to identical terms in a separate deal. Malaysia also committed to recognizing the US protection zone for African swine fever within 15 months and completing a regionalization agreement.

Growth in Malaysia pork exports

NPPC noted that US pork exports to Malaysia reached over USD 24.5 million in 2024. This is a remarkable figure, considering only eight US plants are currently eligible to export. Over the past five years, exports to Malaysia have surged by more than 1700%.

The group stressed the need for long-term certainty and stable trade relationships.

“American pork producers need stability—now as much as ever,” it said. “We will continue to engage with the administration and international partners to maintain and open new market access for US pork.”