About the Expo

About MMF 2027

A Metallurgy-Dedicated Exhibition for Malaysia and the Region

ABOUT MMF 2027

A Strategic Platform for the Metallurgy Industry

MMF 2027 is a specialized exhibition dedicated to the metallurgy industry for Malaysia and the surrounding region. The event brings together public-sector agencies, trade associations and industry institutes to build a trade and exchange platform for the metallurgy industry in Southeast Asia, together with partners from neighbouring regions including China and the Middle East. The exhibition serves buyers, suppliers and technology providers across the metallurgy value chain, from raw materials and equipment to finished metal products.

Malaysia is strategically located at the Straits of Malacca, providing access to ASEAN's 650 million population market. With political stability and a mature business environment, Malaysia is an ideal gateway for international companies entering Southeast Asia.

As a regional transshipment hub, Malaysia also helps Chinese steel enterprises access regional markets through legal transshipment processes.

MARKET BACKGROUND

Malaysia Steel Market Background

Regional steel demand reached 7.8 million tons in 2023, with public infrastructure spending expected to support construction steel demand.

7.8M Tons

2023 Steel Demand

+4.1% YoY

RM 180B

2025 Infrastructure Tenders

Railways, hospitals, etc.

RM 50B+

Major Projects Value

Large transport and urban projects

9.5%

Coke Import Dependency

Mainly from China

Market Trend Analysis

In 2023, Malaysia's total steel demand reached 7.8 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 4.1%. However, the growth rate has slowed. Although signs of economic recovery emerged in Q1 2024, global overcapacity and environmental concerns continue to pressure the industry.

Public infrastructure programmes covering transport networks, healthcare facilities and other public works are expected to support steel demand over the coming years. Large transport and urban development projects will directly drive demand for construction steel products such as rebar, providing long-term order support and a stable pipeline of projects for suppliers and fabricators in the region.

Technological upgrades in the automotive and electronics industries are driving demand for high value-added products such as new energy steel and precision cold-rolled sheets. Malaysia's coke is highly dependent on imports from China (9.5% in 2023), forming a stable raw material supply channel and reducing overall production costs.

STEEL INDUSTRY STATUS

Malaysia Steel Industry Status

From 2.8M to 8.8M tons, 17.7% CAGR over seven years. Capacity utilization at only 47% — significant room for growth.

Capacity Growth

8.8M Tons

From 2.8M tons in 2017 to 8.8M tons in 2024, CAGR 17.7%. Global ranking rose from #39 to #21. By 2025, new capacity expected to exceed 20 million tons.

Production Structure

83.3%

Long products account for about 83.3% of production. Malaysia is self-sufficient and a net exporter. Flat products remain insufficient and rely on imports.

Industry Scale

RM 40B

The steel industry has an estimated market value of RM 40 billion (~USD 13 billion), contributing 4% to GDP and employing about 150,000 people.

Smelting Method

EAF

Due to lack of coal resources, ironmaking mainly uses direct reduction to produce DRI (sponge iron). Steelmaking uses scrap and sponge iron as raw materials with electric arc furnace (EAF).