Malaysia joins China to lift ban on German dairy imports

MALAYSIA – Malaysia has joined China in lifting a ban on the import of heat-treated milk and dairy products from Germany, marking a significant step in resuming trade ties disrupted earlier this year. 

The restrictions, initially imposed by the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety in January, followed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Germany. 

The decision comes after Germany regained its FMD-free status and negotiated new veterinary agreements with both nations.

Reported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), a new veterinary certificate has been finalized with Malaysia, which is the third-largest market for German dairy exports outside the European Union. 

This follows a similar agreement reached with China earlier this month, allowing German dairy producers to re-enter their largest non-EU market. 

The moves are seen as a boost to Germany’s agricultural sector, which has faced challenges due to the trade restrictions.

According to a statement from BMEL, the World Organisation for Animal Health reinstated Germany’s FMD-free status without vaccination for most of the country last week. 

This applies to all regions except a surveillance zone around the outbreak site in Brandenburg, Berlin. 

The reinstatement has paved the way for renewed confidence in German dairy products on the global stage.

Germany’s Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, welcomed the developments. 

“After China, Malaysia is the next major market that German companies can now supply with heat-treated milk and dairy products,” he said. 

He emphasized the importance of these markets to German exporters and the efforts made to restore trade. 

“We are continuing to work hard to ensure that other third countries join us as quickly as possible,” Özdemir added, highlighting ongoing negotiations and the regained FMD-free status as key factors in strengthening Germany’s position.

A report by Germany’s foreign trade statistics shows that in 2023, the country exported 38,587 tons of dairy products to Malaysia, valued at €60.9 million (US$66.4 million). 

he lifting of the ban is expected to help recover these trade volumes, which were disrupted by the FMD outbreak. 

Industry experts predict that the resumption of exports will stabilize supply chains and benefit both German producers and Malaysian consumers.

The outbreak in January had raised concerns about the safety of German dairy products, prompting swift action from authorities in Malaysia and China. 

With the situation now under control and international health standards met, both countries have signaled their trust in Germany’s stringent safety measures. 

The BMEL has assured stakeholders that efforts will continue to expand market access worldwide, aiming for a full return to normal trade operations soon.