DENVER – In the past year, five U. S. red meat products qualified for export to Malaysia, and another was recently approved without requiring an on-site audit, supporting significant expansion in that market.
While Malaysia has had a cumbersome U. S. plant approval process in the past, the country is emerging as a promising destination for U. S. red meat as it adjusts its process, according to the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Malaysia is trying to remove barriers similar to on-site audits for export approval and the requirement for a single paper application.
“Malaysia had asked to come and do a physical audit of five hog facilities,” said Jim Remcheck, USMEF export services director. “They were looking for a variety of five facilities to be physically audited and then if all five pig factories passed after the audit, all long-term pig factories that wish to register in Malaysia can do so through a paper application procedure and not having to submit a declaration. A physical audit to register.
Remcheck believes that the recent approval of a pig facility without an on-site audit is a “harbinger of things to come. “
Last year, US red meat exports to Malaysia reached 5,170 tonnes and $16. 3 million, more than 1,500% of 2022 levels. As of May this year, exports were about 50% higher than the speed of 2023, already exceeding 10 million dollars in value.
Other factors that have contributed to the increase in U. S. red meat exports to Malaysia include the effect of African swine fever (ASF) on domestic production and the shortage of European red meat supply.
Since Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, a large portion of the population abstains from eating pork. However, the non-Muslim part of the population has a higher demand for pork.
The USMEF is also applying for more farm animal facilities to be approved in Malaysia, although this procedure has proven to be challenging.
“Since there is no halal facet to red meat approvals, we are in a situation where we can do this process on paper,” Remcheck said. “When it comes to approving a beef production facility, not only does the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia get involved in the physical audit, but so does its halal authority. This makes things much more confusing for the meat.