The demand for food and household cleaning products have increased tremendously in Taiwan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since the Level 3 Alert started. Among items that consumers purchased the most are instant and dried noodle, rice, egg, flour, cooking paste, seasoning, ready to eat meals and beverages, cereals, frozen food, sanitiser and hand wash.

Nevertheless, this situation in Taiwan, coupled with an adjusted consumer behavior will result in a new trend and lifestyle of home living that will create new opportunities for Malaysian companies, beyond the era of pandemic. In terms of trend, demand for eco-friendly options and green products is growingly visible in Taiwan, given the rise of the environmental consciousness and creation of a sustainable lifestyle in the market.

Looking ahead to the domestic economy for 2021, the strong external demand with the advantages of Taiwan’s high-tech and communications industries (including e-commerce), is expected to increase the market’s export growth momentum. As for domestic demand, the stable employment rate and active stock market will boost private consumption.

Bilateral Trade between Malaysia & Taiwan

Malaysia’s trade with Taiwan contracted by 2.7% to reach RM91.51 billion (USD21.80 billion) in 2020. Exports to Taiwan decreased by 8.6% to RM33.85 billion (USD8.06 billion) in 2020. Major exports were electrical and electronic (E&E) products, optical and scientific equipment, manufactures of metal, chemicals & chemical products and petroleum products.  Imports from Taiwan increased by 1.1% to RM57.66 billion (USD13.73 billion) in 2020. Major imports were E&E products, chemicals & chemical products as well as iron & steel products.

Malaysia’s Ranking

In 2020, Taiwan was Malaysia’s:

  • 5th largest global trading partner
  • 8th largest exports destination
  • 5th largest source of imports

Taiwan’s Ranking

In 2020, Malaysia was Taiwan:

  • 7th largest global trading partner
  • 8th largest exports destination
  • 5th largest source of imports

MATRADE has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) for another two years until April 2022 and through the cooperation stated in the MOU, both organisations believe it will enhance bilateral trade cooperation and trade promotion in the field of Halal, F&B, ICT, healthcare and e-Commerce.

In the spirit of collaboration between MATRADE and TAITRA, Malaysian companies are encourage to participate in the B2B platform via taiwantrade.com. Please register your business interest at https://matrade.taiwantrade.com/ to promote your products and services to the Taiwanese counterparts. In the platform, newsletters on the Taiwanese latest market trend along with the list of events organized in Taiwan, will be featured. Thus, Malaysian exporters are advised to seize this opportunity to explore Taiwanese market via this platform (at no cost).

Taiwan is known for its first class services in the healthcare sector. Taiwan is among the leading markets that managed to overcome COVID-19 pandemic without any lockdown. In this regard, for those who would like to learn from Taiwan’s experience in facing the COVID-19 challenges, please feel free to visit this website: https://www.anticovid19tw.org/

Enquiries

China & Northeast Asia Section
Level 14 (East Wing),
Menara MATRADE,
Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-6207 7077

Malaysian Friendship & Trade Centre
Trade Section (MATRADE)
101F-D, Hung Kuo Building
No. 167 Dun Hua North Road
Taipei 105, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-2545 2260
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.