Malaysia is stepping up its trade presence in South Korea with its largest-ever participation at the Korea Import Expo (KIE) 2026, as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) leads a delegation of 17 Malaysian companies to Seoul from 23 to 25 June 2026.
Held at COEX, Seoul, the expo marks Malaysia’s second consecutive participation in KIE following its debut in 2025, signalling the country’s continued commitment to strengthening export opportunities and commercial ties in one of East Asia’s most dynamic markets.
Of the 17 participating companies, 10 are part of the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Gate to Global Programme, underscoring ongoing efforts to help Malaysian businesses scale internationally and tap into new overseas markets.
Malaysia Pavilion to spotlight halal, food and lifestyle products
At KIE 2026, the Malaysia Pavilion will feature a broad mix of products and solutions spanning the lifestyle and food and beverage sectors, reflecting the diversity of Malaysia’s export ecosystem.
Products on display include:
- health and wellness products
- natural and herbal-based products
- detergents and household consumer goods
- snacks and confectionery
- sauces and condiments
- ready-to-eat and frozen foods
- bird’s nest products
- premium halal-certified products
The showcase is designed to raise the visibility of Malaysian brands in South Korea, facilitate targeted business matching with local importers, and identify new market niches that can support longer-term bilateral trade growth.
South Korea remains a key export market for Malaysia
South Korea continues to be one of Malaysia’s important trading partners, with bilateral trade showing healthy growth in 2025.
According to MATRADE, total trade between Malaysia and South Korea reached RM117.12 billion (USD27.42 billion) in 2025, representing a 6.8% increase compared to 2024.
Malaysia’s exports to South Korea stood at RM52.62 billion (USD12.31 billion), while imports totalled RM64.51 billion (USD15.11 billion).
Major Malaysian exports to South Korea included:
- electrical and electronic (E&E) products
- liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- petroleum products
- machinery, equipment and parts
The figures reflect continued demand for Malaysian goods and suggest strong potential for exporters to diversify their footprint in the South Korean market.
MATRADE sees strong potential for deeper trade linkages
MATRADE said the Korea Import Expo provides an important platform for Malaysian businesses to build commercial relationships in a sophisticated consumer market that increasingly values quality, innovation and sustainability.
Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, Abu Bakar Yusof, said the agency is pleased to once again present Malaysia’s capabilities at the trade fair.
“South Korea presents a highly sophisticated and dynamic market, with consumers increasingly seeking quality, innovative and sustainable goods. Through this platform, we aim to facilitate meaningful business engagements, unlock new export opportunities and strengthen the presence of Malaysian brands in the Korean market. “We are confident that the strong complementarity between our two economies will support deeper trade linkages, paving the way for greater collaboration in the years ahead,” he said.
Korean consumers offer growing opportunities for Malaysian brands
As South Korean consumers continue to seek high-quality products that offer strong value, authenticity and unique attributes, Malaysian companies are seen as well-positioned to meet those evolving expectations.
With diverse product offerings and adherence to international quality standards, Malaysian exporters are expected to benefit from direct engagement with South Korean importers, distributors, retailers and wholesalers through KIE 2026.
For participating companies, the expo serves as more than a promotional platform — it is also a strategic opportunity to establish long-term partnerships, strengthen brand presence, and explore new routes into the wider North Asian market.
Building on momentum from Malaysia’s 2025 debut
MATRADE’s return to KIE follows what it described as an encouraging response during Malaysia’s inaugural participation in 2025. Building on that momentum, the agency expects this year’s Malaysia Pavilion to generate substantial business leads and secure new commercial linkages between Malaysian exporters and South Korean buyers.
The participation also aligns with Malaysia’s broader push to expand export market access, elevate the profile of Malaysian-made and halal-certified products, and support SMEs and growth-stage companies in building international market presence.
Invitation to South Korean trade buyers and partners
MATRADE has invited South Korean importers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers and business partners to visit the Malaysia Pavilion at COEX, Hall B, to explore Malaysian products and discuss potential business opportunities.
With its strongest presence at the Korea Import Expo to date, Malaysia is signalling its intent to deepen trade engagement with South Korea and create new pathways for exporters in a competitive and evolving regional market.
