Indonesia and Malaysia are vying for dominance in the global halal market, with a particular focus on meat exports and the burgeoning halal cosmetics industry. Indonesia is aiming to become the world’s leading producer of halal products by 2025. The Ministry of Industry reports export transactions reached US$64.11 billion in 2024 and is pushing for stronger halal-based pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. To further boost its domestic halal industry, Indonesia will host the Halal Indonesia International Industry Expo (Halal Indo) 2025 in Tangerang, Banten, scheduled for September 25-28, 2025.
Meanwhile, Malaysia, a long-time leader in halal certification, is also making significant strides. Tim Hortons Malaysia recently received Halal certification from JAKIM for all its outlets and plans to expand. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is seeking assistance from Malaysia’s halal authority, JAKIM, to establish a world-class halal certifying body. Malaysia will host the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from September 17-20, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
Pakistan is reportedly in advanced discussions with Malaysia to secure a $200 million halal meat export deal over the next five years. The halal industry’s growth is fueled by the increasing global Muslim population, which drives demand for halal products including cosmetics. The rise of halal cosmetics presents significant opportunities, emphasizing ethical sourcing and production. Technology, such as blockchain and AI, plays a crucial role in ensuring halal compliance by enhancing transparency and traceability in the supply chain.
