Thailand-Malaysia trade poised to reach US$30 billion in 2027
Both countries remain on course for US$30 billion in trade by 2027, while technical teams work on measures to simplify bilateral imports and exports.
- The projection of reaching US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027 is based on positive trade results from the first eight months of 2026.
- Documentation issues for Malaysian products entering Thailand are a major obstacle to achieving this trade target.
- Technical groups from both countries are holding talks to agree on trade-facilitation measures to ease the process for importers and exporters.
- Strong demand in Thailand for health products and the capability of Malaysian manufacturers present significant opportunities for trade growth.
Documentation continues to pose a major obstacle to Malaysian products entering Thailand, even as the two countries remain on course to achieve US$30 billion in bilateral trade in 2027.
Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Malaysia’s ambassador to Thailand, based that assessment on favourable bilateral trade results recorded during the first eight months of 2026.
He made the remarks while attending Vitafoods Asia 2026, where he visited several booths operated by Malaysian companies.
Wan Zaidi described the exhibitors as capable producers of health and wellness goods.
By meeting local-market requirements, he noted, they were able to supply products to a number of international companies.
Some participating companies had only recently entered Thailand.
Wan Zaidi pointed to continuing demand among Thai health-product manufacturers for reliable sources, quality goods and product-development opportunities.
“So I do not think it will be too difficult for them,” he said.
Most Malaysian producers were equipped to operate as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or original design manufacturers (ODMs), Wan Zaidi added.
They could also “conduct joint research to develop and manufacture products” that met individual market requirements.
Turning to the documentation problem, he called on the relevant Malaysian authorities to assist manufacturers in “preparing the necessary documentation”, especially for product verification and other requirements tied to approval, marketing or entry into Thailand.
“We want to ensure that exports and imports meet the required standards of both countries, while at the same time ensuring that the process does not create unnecessary difficulties for importers and exporters,” he told reporters.
Work to ease bilateral trade had already brought together a range of parties for several meetings.
Wan Zaidi said technical groups from Malaysia and Thailand would continue the talks with the aim of agreeing on trade-facilitation measures.
More than 800 nutraceutical and functional food companies from 40 countries took part in Vitafoods Asia 2026, staged from September 2 to 4, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).
Source: The Star
