Malaysia: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Malaysia

The Malaysian sweet potato market was estimated at $X in 2021, therefore, remained relatively stable against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sweet Potato Production in Malaysia

In value terms, sweet potato production totaled $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 29% against the previous year. Sweet potato production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in Malaysia shrank modestly to X tons per ha in 2021, approximately reflecting the year before. In general, the yield showed a perceptible decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 13%. Over the period under review, the average sweet potato yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of sweet potatoes were harvested in Malaysia; with an increase of 4.1% against 2020. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 21%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the sweet potato harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Malaysia

In 2021, shipments abroad of sweet potatoes increased by 62% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after two years of decline. In general, exports enjoyed mild growth. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sweet potato exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a buoyant increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Singapore (X tons) was the main destination for sweet potato exports from Malaysia, accounting for a approx. 99.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Singapore was relatively modest.

In value terms, Singapore ($X) also remains the key foreign market for sweet potatoes exports from Malaysia.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Singapore amounted to +1.1%.

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 4.6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.6%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 25% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Singapore.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Singapore amounted to +1.2% per year.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Malaysia

After two years of growth, purchases abroad of sweet potatoes decreased by -9.1% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, sweet potato imports reduced to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, enjoyed a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, and then dropped in the following year.

Imports by Country

Indonesia (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and Thailand (X tons) were the main suppliers of sweet potato imports to Malaysia, with a combined 79% share of total imports. China, the Netherlands and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 14%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +394.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to Malaysia, comprising 45% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Indonesia ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with an 8.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Vietnam amounted to +10.6%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Indonesia (+7.2% per year) and the Netherlands (+296.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average sweet potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 2.8% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average import price increased by 12%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 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 Japan ($X per ton), while the price for Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+4.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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