Source: Halal Focus

Kawaguchiko, Japan – Malaysia’s halal industry continues to demonstrate remarkable growth with exports reaching an impressive RM61.79 billion in 2024, representing a substantial 15% increase from the previous year’s RM53.72 billion, according to recent figures released by the investment, trade and industry ministry (Miti).

Strong Performance Across Multiple Sectors

The announcement came during the soft launch event for the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 (Mihas), where Miti Deputy Secretary-General Hanafi Sakri highlighted the nation’s decade-long dominance in global Islamic economy rankings.

“For ten consecutive years, Malaysia has maintained its leadership position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator rankings,” stated Hanafi. “Our nation’s strength particularly shines in Islamic finance, halal food products, and media and recreation sectors.”

This exceptional performance is attributed to Malaysia’s comprehensive halal ecosystem, which has fostered significant growth across various industries, particularly food and beverage, financial services, and the travel sector.

Significant Economic Contribution

The halal industry represents a crucial component of Malaysia’s overall economic landscape. Current projections indicate that by 2030, the sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product will reach 10.8%, equivalent to approximately RM231 billion.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican addressed the nation’s broader export targets during the event. While acknowledging potential challenges ahead, Reezal described the RM1.58 trillion export goal for 2025 as “a humble target.”

Strategic Trade Initiatives

To achieve these ambitious goals, Matrade is implementing several strategic initiatives, with a particular focus on market diversification toward emerging economies.

“We’re prioritizing relationships with trading partners that currently contribute to our trade surplus,” Reezal explained. “Simultaneously, we’re reviewing partnerships where we face trade deficits and exploring strategies to reduce or eliminate these gaps.”

The organization has demonstrated impressive performance in recent years. By the conclusion of 2024, Matrade had recorded RM1.51 trillion in exports, exceeding its target by approximately RM10 billion.

With the continued expansion of Malaysia’s halal industry and strategic trade initiatives, the nation is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the global Islamic economy while driving substantial economic growth domestically.

Original Articles:

halalfocus.com. (n.d.). Halal product exports surpassed RM61bil in 2024, says Miti. Retrieved April 30, 2025, from https://halalfocus.com/halal-product-exports-surpassed-rm61bil-in-2024-says-miti/