Browse Data and Analysis

The installation of Bangladesh’s Interim Government in August 2024, has led to a renewed focus on macroeconomic stability, which will enable increased exports to the market as restrictions on Letters of Credit ease as foreign currency reserves stabilize.

Malaysia recently revised its application forms for approval of meat, poultry, dairy, and other animal product production facilities.

FAS Kuala Lumpur (Post) projects a slight decrease in palm oil production in Market year (MY) 24/25 to 19.2 million metric tons (MT) on recent weather challenges and lower than average production in the beginning months of the MY. With palm oil at a premium to competing vegetable oils, Post estimates a decrease in exports of approximately 770 thousand MT for MY 24/25.

For the marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Post lowers rice harvested area and production to 11.4 million hectares and 36.6 million metric tons (MT), respectively, due to an estimated loss of around 300,000 hectares of aman season rice from two consecutive floods in August and October 2024.

Malaysia's hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector continues to exhibit strong growth. Tourism has returned to pre-pandemic levels, and both government and the private sector continue to invest to further increase tourism receipts. The food...

Biodiesel production is expected to remain flat in Malaysia at 1.58 billion liters, as the country is likely to remain at a B10 blend rate as B20 and B30 mandate goals have not advanced.

There have been no major changes to Malaysia's biotechnology regulations in the past year. The country continues to review its Biosafety Act, including how it will regulate gene edited products in the future. Malaysia currently has 61 genetically engineered (GE) products approved for import.

In marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Post forecasts cotton acreage and production slightly lower at 45,000 hectares and 153,000 bales, due to heavy rain in some cotton growing districts during the seed sowing period. For MY 2024/25, Post also forecasts...

Post forecasts Malaysia’s palm oil production in MY 24/25 at 19.2 million metric tons (MT), a decrease from MY 23/24 projections due to delayed effects of the El Niño season.

After strong growth in 2023, the food retail sector is expected to see moderate but positive growth in the remainder of 2024. Expansion of convenience stores and small format retail outlets continues, while premium supermarkets have also expanded.

On August 5, 2024, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned after 15 years in power, following weeks of violent protests. A new Interim Government (IG) was formed on August 8, 2024. The political situation is still evolving. For...

The FAIRS Annual Country Report contains baseline information for Bangladesh as it relates to agricultural and food products. In addition to an overview of the Government of Bangladesh’s regulatory infrastructure on production and import control policies this report includes FAS/Dhaka’s assessment of laws and requirements for food and agricultural imports.