Malaysia remains a key trading partner for Australia, with halal-certified exports of sheep, goat and beef meat valued at over $447 million in the last financial year The Australian Government…

Malaysia remains a key trading partner for Australia, with halal-certified exports of sheep, goat and beef meat valued at over $447 million in the last financial year

The Australian Government has announced a new Australia–Malaysia Strategic Halal Red Meat Partnership to expand trade opportunities and strengthen collaboration in halal-certified meat exports.

The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s official visit to Malaysia this week, underscoring the importance of bilateral ties in the fast-growing halal food sector.

Malaysia remains a key trading partner for Australia, with halal-certified exports of sheep, goat and beef meat valued at over $447 million in the last financial year. The new partnership is expected to enhance cooperation on halal standards further and improve access to the Malaysian market for Australian producers.

The initiative forms part of the broader Australia-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and will support collaboration in areas such as halal standards development, research, and electronic certification systems for red meat products.

The agreement also reinforces Australia’s standing as a trusted supplier within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, particularly in halal-certified meat.

In a related development, the government approved six meat export establishments in 2025, including two new facilities, increasing the total number of halal-certified Australian establishments eligible to export to Malaysia to 27. These facilities supply beef, sheep and goat meat products to Malaysian consumers, contributing to a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Since coming to power, the Albanese Government has achieved more than 256 market access milestones for the agriculture sector, aimed at boosting exports, supporting regional employment, and strengthening local economies.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the partnership marks a significant step forward for the industry.

“This is a welcome new strategic partnership with Malaysia, which will further strengthen Australia’s reputation as a trusted supplier of halal red meat products,” she said.

Collins added that the agreement reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders and international counterparts to expand export opportunities for Australian farmers and producers.