Malaysia: Frozen Whole Fish Market 2025

Frozen Whole Fish Market Size in Malaysia

After three years of decline, the Malaysian frozen whole fish market increased by 44% to $X in 2021. Overall, consumption, however, saw a deep downturn. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Frozen Whole Fish Production in Malaysia

In value terms, frozen whole fish production rose sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 25%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Frozen Whole Fish Exports

Exports from Malaysia

Frozen whole fish exports from Malaysia was estimated at X tons in 2021, growing by 3% against the year before. In general, exports continue to indicate resilient growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 94% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, frozen whole fish exports declined to $X in 2021. Overall, exports enjoyed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 86% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Exports by Country

Thailand (X tons), China (X tons) and Singapore (X tons) were the main destinations of frozen whole fish exports from Malaysia, with a combined 87% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Indonesia, Mauritius and Vietnam, which together accounted for a further 5.9%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Mauritius (with a CAGR of +66.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, China ($X) remains the key foreign market for frozen whole fish exports from Malaysia, comprising 49% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Thailand ($X), with a 23% share of total exports. It was followed by Singapore, with an 8.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to China stood at +23.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Thailand (+20.6% per year) and Singapore (+5.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average frozen whole fish export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with a decrease of -11% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 23% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Indonesia (+4.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Whole Fish Imports

Imports into Malaysia

In 2021, overseas purchases of frozen whole fish increased by 15% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 17% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, frozen whole fish imports surged to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of frozen whole fish to Malaysia, accounting for a 32% share of total imports. Moreover, frozen whole fish imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Vietnam (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Russia (X tons), with a 7.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China amounted to +6.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Vietnam (+6.7% per year) and Russia (+92.8% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of frozen whole fish to Malaysia, comprising 30% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Vietnam ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Japan, with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from China stood at +3.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Vietnam (+8.2% per year) and Japan (+2.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average frozen whole fish import price amounted to $X per ton, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a mild descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 7.5% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Myanmar ($X per ton), while the price for Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Yemen (+3.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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