Trump opens Malaysian market to US pork exports

Pork producers see the trade agreement as a major victory for American agriculture and rural job creation.

President Donald Trump signed new trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, a significant victory for American pork producers. The agreement with Malaysia, in particular, opens up enormous potential for more than 60,000 American pork producers by removing export barriers and expanding market access. “American pork producers are grateful to President Trump for expanding access for American pork to the Malaysian market,” said NPPC President Duane Steytler, a pork producer from Ohio. “More than 25% of U.S. pork production is exported, so producers rely on exports to keep their farms afloat, especially during times of uncertainty.”

Under the agreement, all U.S. establishments listed in the FSIS Meat, Poultry, and Egg Inspection Handbook will be eligible to export their products to Malaysia without additional registration requirements. The country also agreed to accept standard FSIS export certificates and recognize the US African Swine Fever Protection Zone within 15 months to complete the regionalization agreement. Cambodia signed similar terms.

NPPC expressed gratitude to USTR Ambassador Jamison Greer, USTR Assistant Julie Callahan, and the USDA technical teams for facilitating this breakthrough.

US pork exports to Malaysia reached $24.5 million in 2024, an increase of 1,700% over the past five years, despite only eight US-based establishments being eligible to export. This sector supports more than 140,000 jobs in the US and adds $66 to the export value for every pork sold.

NPPC emphasized that pork producers rely on trade stability: “American pork producers need certainty and stability—now more than ever—and NPPC will continue to work with the Administration and international partners to preserve and open new markets for American pork.”

Tags: pork, Malaysia, USA