The Argentine Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries confirmed on August 20, 2026 that Malaysia has re-authorized three Argentine facilities for dairy product exports and revalidated the permit for a beef farmhouse. This decision opens a crucial door for agro-industrial trade with the Southeast Asian nation.
The Agriculture, Livestock, and Poultry Secretariat (a branch of the Ministry of Economy) reported that Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) gave the green light, keeping an important market open for Argentina's dairy chain.
Which Facilities Are Approved?
The authorization covers three dairy product plants and one beef farmhouse:
- Molfino Hnos. S.A. (two locations): permitted to export cheeses, milk powder, butter, casein, protein concentrates, whey protein powder, and functional milk protein.
- Arla Foods Ingredients S.A. (one location): same range of dairy products.
- Azul Natural Beef S.A.: renewed to continue exporting chilled and frozen beef, as well as refrigerated or frozen offal.
Approved Companies
- Molfino Foods S.A.: 2 plants
- Arla Foods Ingredients S.A.: 1 plant
- Azul Natural Beef S.A.: 1 farmhouse
How Did This Progress Happen?
According to the official report, SENASA (the National Food Safety and Quality Service) submitted all required documentation and welcomed a delegation from Malaysia's DVS for the technical audit. Additionally, between April 18-29, 2026, a joint mission of the Malaysian departments of Veterinary Services (DVS) and Islamic Development (JAKIM) visited Argentina, allowing the country to be revalidated as a safe exporter of products with halal certification.
The DVS has confirmed it will send the corresponding Certificates of Approval and will publish each facility's status on its official website.
A Billion-Dollar Market
Malaysia is a strategic destination for Argentine production. In 2025, Malaysia imported:
| Product | Imported Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Dairy products | 1,393 million |
| Beef (mostly frozen) | 862 million |
| Bovine offal | 48 million |
These numbers highlight Malaysia's market potential and why these approvals are crucial to increasing Argentine exports.
What Is Halal Certification?
Halal certification ensures that products and processes comply with Islamic requirements—a vital step for entering Muslim-majority markets like Malaysia. The role of JAKIM (Malaysia's Islamic Development Department) in the audit is critical for verifying these standards.
With this approval, Argentina strengthens its footprint in Southeast Asia and consolidates a trade relationship that, according to officials, is expected to drive up demand for Argentine dairy and beef in that market.
In related news, the government recently announced a 34% increase in sheep meat exports during the first half of the year, new access for citrus exports to Panama, and the release of 13.4 tons of Argentine beef from U.S. port authorities.