Vietnams coffee makes up half of Malaysias total import volume

Malaysia’s coffee import decreased this year, however, the quantity of coffee imported from Vietnam still increased and makes up nearly half of the total import quantity.

Vietnamese coffee makes up nearly half of the total import quantity of Malaysia. Photo: TL.

A recent report of the International Trade Centre (ITC) shows that, in September of 2021, Malaysia’s coffee import reached over 8 thousand tons, worth USD 19.84 million, decreasing 24.4% in volume and 24.7% in value compared to September 2020.

In general, for the first 9 months of 2021, Malaysia's coffee import reached 77 thousand tons, worth USD 177.59 million, a decrease of 8.1% in volume and 6.8% in value compared to the same session of 2020.

For the first 9 months of 2021, Malaysia lowers its import from some main supplies but increases importation from Vietnam, Brazil, and Ethiopia.

Vietnam is currently the largest coffee supplier in Malaysia. For the first 9 months of 2021, Malaysia import of coffee from Vietnam reached 36.14 thousand tons, worth USD 61 million, increasing 8% in volume and 11.7% in value over the same session of 2020.

Vietnam's market shares in the total import volume of Malaysia increased from 39.91% in the first 9 months of 2020 to 46.92% over the first 9 months of 2021.

According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), coffee consumption demand in Malaysia is showing a strong uptrend in recent years due to urbanization and the busy lifestyle. 

Additionally, Malaysia’s coffee drinking culture is heavily affected by the sudden increase in the number of foreigners. Coffee consumption preference in Malaysia tends to shift to premium coffee.