Malaysia eyes halal exports to Middle East in bid for new markets amid US trade tensions

Majority-Muslim Malaysia is a global leader in halal products and has a rigorous certification regime recognised by scores of Muslim nations and bodies worldwide.

Businesses selling to the six oil-rich nations of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain who make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – a bloc seeking a trade alliance with Southeast Asia – are looking for deeper market access to the Gulf as the US strangles access to its giant consumer base.

Edwin Suhairi, who imports and exports cosmetic products between Malaysia and the Middle East, said he hoped negotiations this week between Asean and the GCC would cut the red tape at Gulf ports.

“Demand is still growing. A more streamlined process would be beneficial for my business,” he said, adding that Malaysian sales of Middle Eastern cosmetics had also increased amid boycotts of Western brands over the Israeli assault on Palestinians in Gaza.

Late on Monday, Malaysia and the GCC agreed to begin free-trade talks, a sign of changing trade patterns hastened by US President Donald Trump’s punitive approach to commerce.