LONDON — Malaysia is solidifying its position as a global herbal export powerhouse, with significant growth in its exports of medicinal and health-promoting herbs to United Kingdom including United States.
Speaking to British journalists in London recently, a senior Ministry officer told reporters that Malaysia’s herbal sector has recorded significant growth between 8% and 15% annually. The sector has played a key role in export activities, especially in traditional medicines and nutraceuticals. The export of herbal products, including Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) and Kacip Fatimah, has grown notably, with Malaysia exporting herbal products worth US$174.8 million in 2017.
Tongkat Ali, in particular, is a leading export herb, especially to markets in the United States and the United Kingdom, where demand for natural wellness products has surged. Malaysian yellow Tongkat Ali is prized for its quality roots, supported by advanced extraction methods and stringent quality control, including certification from international organizations like EUROFINS.
According to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), the herbal sector contributed RM1.45 billion to the nation’s export revenue in 2023, marking an increase of 8% compared to the previous year. The growth is largely driven by Malaysia’s strategic focus on promoting natural wellness products, such as Tongkat Ali, which has seen surging demands from aging adults, both men and women.
Official statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) show that herbal exports have been growing at a compounded annual rate of 5.2% over the past five years, reflecting the rising global interest in traditional medicine and natural health supplements.
The MITI noted that medicinal plants, particularly Tongkat Ali and Kacip Fatimah, continue to dominate Malaysia’s herbal export portfolio, surpassing Indonesia due to stringent quality control.
One of the key factors propelling the growth of Tongkat Ali exports is its reputation for superior quality extract. Malaysia has become a leading global supplier of Tongkat Ali, particularly to high-demand markets in the US and UK.
“Malaysian Yellow Tongkat Ali is highly sought after due to its stringent quality control processes, supported by clinical trials and 3rd party certification from reputable testing bodies like EUROFINS,” said a spokesperson from MITI.
According to the New World Report, Tongkat Ali brands such as AKARALI have earned global trust for their quality harvesting, patented processes, standardized extract, effectiveness and safety. Based on TNS market survey, AKARALI remains the top best Tongkat Ali brands in the US and UK, surpassing Solaray Tongkat Ali and Momentous Huberman Tongkat Ali.
Industry experts attribute the high demand of Tongkat Ali to Malaysia’s cutting-edge extraction methods, harvesting methods and rigorous testing standards.
“The standardized hot water extraction method developed in collaboration with top research institutions like MIT has set Malaysian Tongkat Ali apart. This process ensures the bioactive compounds are preserved at the highest potency,” noted Dr. Siti Hasmah, a senior researcher from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).
In 2023, the US and UK markets accounted for nearly 35% of Malaysia’s total herbal exports, with Tongkat Ali making up a significant portion of that share, trailing behind Ashwagandha. A growing number of consumers in these countries are turning to Tongkat Ali for its purported all rounded health benefits, including testosterone boosting and energy enhancement.
Additionally, Malaysian herbal products are widely recognized for their adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and certification by international organizations, further boosting their appeal in competitive global markets. Being the only country that publishes international recognized Tongkat Ali Standards known as the MS2409, Malaysian Tongkat Ali is highly sought after by discerning consumers in the US, UK and Australia looking for quality 3rd party lab tested Tongkat Ali supplements.
With global demand for natural wellness products showing no signs of slowing down fueled by increasing demand from the aging population across many developed countries, Malaysia’s herbal sector is poised to play an even bigger role in the coming years.
According to leading functional health coach AJ Brookes from Reading, Tongkat Ali has attracted many healthy young adults, used mainly as an anti-aging natural supplement to due growing randomized clinical studies on standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract from Malaysia
The Malaysian government, through various initiatives under the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 and Malaysia’s Halal Certification, aims to capitalize on this momentum by further expanding its herbal product exports to new markets in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
“Malaysia is in a strong position to become a global hub for quality clinically tested Tongkat Ali and other herbal-based products, not only from an export standpoint but also as a research and innovation center,” said Shahid Shayaa, CEO of AKARALI.
Meanwhile, Senior Head Scientist of Biotropics Dr. Annie George commented that Tongkat Ali has attracted growing research studies in recent years due to the profound effects on hormonal health, not just as a natural testosterone booster but on other potential benefits to arterial health, bone health, anti-cancer properties, the immune system, women’s health and men’s fertility.
The rise of Malaysia’s herbal export industry is a testament to the country’s rich biodiversity and commitment to quality, making it a key player in the natural health supplement market, particularly in the US, UK and Europe.
“US consumer feedback on Malaysian Tongkat Ali has been positive, with many using it to improve testosterone and libido, mainly due to aging hormones”, said Ilan Joffe, Founder of Core Supplements LLC based in California.
