Asia’s Ghee Trade Divides as Malaysia Leads Exports While Imports Surge

A tale of two markets unfolds in Southeast Asia. While Malaysia cements its export leadership, the Philippines fuels a surprising import revival—reshaping the ghee trade.

, and Administrator

2026 January 1 . 4:16 AM

1 min read

In this image there is a super market, in that super market there are groceries.

Asia’s Ghee Trade Divides as Malaysia Leads Exports While Imports Surge

The ghee trade in South-Eastern Asia saw mixed trends in 2024. While imports rose after two years of decline, export volumes and values continued to shrink. The Philippines emerged as the region’s top importer, while Malaysia remained the leading exporter despite a broader downturn in trade figures.

Ghee exports in South-Eastern Asia dropped to X tons in 2024, marking a X% decline from the previous year. In value terms, shipments also fell to $X, reflecting a long-term contraction. The highest export volume was recorded in 2013 at X tons, but figures never recovered after 2014.

Malaysia led the region’s exports with X tons in 2024, accounting for roughly X% of total shipments. The country also posted the fastest export growth over the past decade, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of X% from 2012 to 2024. Thailand briefly took the lead in export volume growth in 2022, but Malaysia retained its dominance overall.

On the import side, overseas purchases of ghee climbed to X tons in 2024, reversing a two-year decline. The Philippines became the largest importer, absorbing X tons—the highest in the region. Cambodia, meanwhile, recorded the fastest import growth, with a CAGR of X% between 2012 and 2024. Import values also rose, reaching $X in 2024, up sharply from 2012 levels. However, the peak import volume of X tons in 2018 was never matched again after 2019.

The ghee market in South-Eastern Asia remains uneven. While imports rebounded in 2024, export figures continued their downward trend. Malaysia’s strong export performance contrasts with broader regional declines, and the Philippines’ demand highlights shifting trade patterns in the sector.