DENVER – Over the past year, five U. S. hog facilities have become eligible to export to Malaysia, and a few others were recently approved without the need for 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,” explained Jim Remcheck, USMEF export services director. “They sought a set of five facilities to undergo a physical audit and then if all five red meat factories passed the audit, all future red meat factories that wish to register in Malaysia will be able to do so through a paper procedure. application and not having to post a physical audit statement in order to register.
Remcheck believes the recent approval of a swine facility without an on-site audit is a “harbinger of things to come. ”
Last year, United States red meat exports to Malaysia reached 5,170 tonnes and $16. 3 million, more than 1,500% of 2022 levels. Until May of this year, exports were approximately 50% higher than the speed of 2023, already exceeding 10 million dollars in value.
Other factors contributing to the expansion of US red meat exports to Malaysia are the effect of African swine fever (ASF) on domestic production and tight supply of European red meat.
As Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, a large part of the population abstains from eating pork. However, the non-Muslim component of the population has a higher demand for pork.
USMEF is also seeking approval for more beef services in Malaysia, although this procedure has proven difficult.
“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.