MIHAS 2026: AI-POWERED TRADE PLATFORM TO TAP INTO THE USD 3.5 TRILLION GLOBAL HALAL ECONOMY

The National Trade Promotion Agency of Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), recently unveiled the 22nd edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026), also the world’s largest Halal trade event, positioning it as a leading global gateway for businesses seeking to access opportunities within the rapidly expanding USD 3.5 trillion Halal economy.

Held under the theme “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience”, MIHAS 2026 responds to rising demand for trusted, transparent, and efficient trade ecosystems amid ongoing global supply chain shifts, market fragmentation, and cost pressures. The event is designed to connect international businesses and verified Halal products and services suppliers through high-value business engagements and cross-border trade opportunities.

Positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia and recognised globally for its robust Halal ecosystem and certification standards, Malaysia continues to serve as a strategic gateway for international Halal trade and market access across the ASEAN region.

As the world’s most established Halal trade platforms, MIHAS 2026 will take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

AI-Powered Trade Facilitation: From Connectivity to Conversion

Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by MATRADE, MIHAS 2026 will leverage intelligent digital trade tools to enhance business matching, streamline engagement, and improve commercial conversion opportunities for participants.



International buyers will be matched with importers and sellers from Malaysia and beyond, based on sourcing requirements and business interests across 14 Halal industry clusters, while exhibitors will benefit from targeted lead generation, business matching support, and real-time engagement insights designed to maximise return on participation. Trade visitors will also gain access to curated market insights, conferences, networking opportunities, and multilingual engagement tools throughout the four-day event.

These capabilities are embedded across MIHAS’ key programmes. Under the International Sourcing Programme (INSP MIHAS), 200 international buyers and 50 international premium buyers will meet with 600 Malaysian exporters through curated business matching sessions designed to facilitate cross-border trade and sourcing opportunities. Meanwhile, the Hosted Buyer Programme is designed for international exhibitors participating in MIHAS, connecting them directly with 50 Malaysian importers through structured business meetings aimed at supporting market entry and distribution partnerships within Malaysia and the wider ASEAN market. For companies that are looking to source or to import any Halal products and Muslim friendly services, please contact the Consulate General of Malaysia, Trade Section (MATRADE) at jeddah@matrade.gov.my today.

Beyond trade matching, MIHAS 2026 also offers international participants opportunities for brand visibility and strategic networking. The MIHAS Awards provide exhibitors with global recognition for excellence in product quality, innovation, and sustainable Shariah-compliant business practices, while the Women in Export (WiEX) initiative supports international buyers seeking more inclusive and diversified supply chains by connecting them with women-led enterprises from across the Halal ecosystem. Complementing these is the Modest Fashion component, designed to deepen industry participation by attracting a broader spectrum of lifestyle sector players.


A Global Marketplace Backed by Strong Halal Trade Performance

Malaysia continues to be a key player in the global Halal economy, with total Halal exports reaching USD 17.23 billion (RM68.52 billion) in 2025. Key export segments include food and beverages, Halal ingredients, and palm oil and derivatives, with strong demand across major international markets such as China, Singapore, the United States, Japan, and Indonesia. This broad market reach underscores the growing global demand for Halal-certified products and reinforces MIHAS’ role as a central marketplace for cross-border trade and partnerships.

Driving International Participation and Trade Outcomes

MIHAS 2026 is set to generate USD 1.13 billion (RM4.5 billion) in trade value, supported by 2,380 exhibition booths and participation from visitors across 45 countries.

Whether you are an international buyer seeking quality-assured Halal suppliers, an exhibitor looking to expand into new markets, or a trade visitor exploring emerging trends and innovations in the Halal industry, MIHAS 2026 offers direct access to one of the world’s most dynamic Halal trade ecosystems.

Serving as a strategic gateway to ASEAN and global Halal markets, MIHAS 2026 enables participants to strengthen supply chains, explore new business opportunities, and establish long-term international trade partnerships.

Interested participants are encouraged to connect with MATRADE’s network of Trade Commissioners worldwide for tailored insights on Malaysia and opportunities to explore partnerships with Malaysian industries. For more information and registration, please visit https://mihas.com.my or contact sales-mihas@es-corp.co.