Browse Data and Analysis

Infographic illustrates how modernizing retail outlets in Southeast Asia are providing U.S. food exporters access to young, urbanizing consumers.

Southeast Asia is a major market for U.S. agricultural products, ranking as the third-largest regional market in 2017, behind East Asia and North America.

Malaysia’s retail sector is forecast to spur consumer spending in retail food and beverage industry with the abolishment of Goods & Services Tax (GST) effective June 1, 2018.

Malaysia has a dynamic hotel and restaurant industry. Changing lifestyles and growing middle class underpins demand.

With per capita income of over $10,800 and a middle and upper class making up 50 percent of the population, Malaysia shows good potential for growth as a market for high value consumer products.

Introduction of a 6 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1, 2015 increased costs and discouraged transshipment of cotton from Malaysia to nearby regional markets.