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The Malaysian food processing industry has been identified as a crucial component of future national economic recovery and growth resulting from the significant disruption of COVID-19 pandemic.

The Malaysia food retail sector was estimated at $18 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow 30 percent to $23 billion by 2025.

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency invites public comments on its newly proposed guidelines for “additive-free” labeling. The comment period will close on January 21, 2022 (Japan Standard time).

Japan invites public comments on the newly developed Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) for miso (fermented soybean paste). Comments are due on January 25, 2022 (Japan standard time).

Through proactive communication with Japanese importers and FAS/Washington, FAS/Tokyo ensured that Japan adopted a maximum residue level (MRL) for fenpropathrin in nectarines in line with the U.S. fenpropathrin MRL.

This report provides an analysis on beef consumption trends, household expenditure patterns, and international visitor consumption patterns that have impacted the food service industry. This analysis examines trends pre-COVID-19, mid-COVID-19, and sub-sector analysis in a post-COVID-19 environment.

As Malaysia's economy begins to recover from COVID-19 impacts, U.S. exporters can find strong opportunities in the retail food and food processing sectors. While recovery may take longer in the HRI sector, Malaysians' love of dining out and continued development of tourism will contribute to future growth in this area.

Post revised its MY 2021/22 crude palm oil (CPO) production downward from 18.2 million tons to 18.0 million tons, taking into account the effect of anomalous weather from the super typhoon Rai (a month of rain recorded in one day on December 18 in Peninsular Malaysia) and the continuing acute labor issue the industry has faced since 2019.