It already helps if you have a structured approach for your procurement and to keep your options open. Working with a local consultant or agency may help to identify more potential suppliers and to get the products that you just bought accross the border to their destination.
Our local consultant helps you find relevant suppliers, approach them on your behalf and ensure you get the right proposals and deliveries.
Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, exports a diverse range of products that showcase its natural resources and industrial capabilities. The country is known for exporting electronics and electrical products, including semiconductors and consumer electronics, which are crucial for its manufacturing sector. Malaysia also exports palm oil, rubber, and timber products, leveraging its abundant natural resources.
Wages in Malaysia vary across different industries and regions. Generally, wages are lower compared to many developed countries, which helps maintain competitive production costs. The cost of living in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang can be moderate, depending on lifestyle choices and location.
Malaysia is also known for its strong agricultural sector, exporting products like palm oil, rubber, and tropical fruits such as durian and pineapple. The country has a growing presence in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar photovoltaic manufacturing and technology, and is increasingly exporting related products and services.
The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.
If you take your sourcing step by step, then it can’t go wrong.
Step 1
Try to identify in total 6 to 10 possible suppliers and check their websites. Approach them with a general request to see whether they have the products or services you need.
Step 2
Submit your requirements to a group of three to five selected suppliers and ensure you get the right comparable quotations to make a choice. Negotiate with one or two of them to get the best result.
Step 3
Now start collaborating, making sure you have an efficient ordering process and limited risks where it comes to quality control and shipping the products.
If you purchase tangible products, you have to ship them out of the country. Depending on the country where you want these goods, this may have implications.
First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.
There may also be non-financial barriers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.
Getting your products imported and delivered in a specific country can be a challenge. I have good experience with Tecex, who can act as your importer of record and even physical distributor. If you leave your details, they will contact you.
In developing or more developed countries also labour costs are getting higher, so there is no real bargain any more. On the other hand, the more developed a country is, the better the certainty for deliveries and the more focus there is on quality.