The D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026, held in Jakarta from July 8–12, served as a strategic platform for nine Muslim-majority nations to capture a larger share of the $2.6 trillion global halal economy. Organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), the event facilitated $13.4 million in partnership agreements, highlighting a shift toward integrated supply chains and harmonized standards among D-8 members.
Global Halal Market Expansion and Economic Projections
The global halal economy is expanding rapidly, with consumer spending across six major sectors projected to reach $3.6 trillion by 2029, up from $2.6 trillion in 2024, according to DinarStandard. While the Muslim population exceeds 2 billion, the current market landscape reveals a significant gap: the top three global exporters of halal products—China, Brazil, and India—are non-OIC countries. To address this, D-8 members, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Türkiye, are aiming to increase intra-bloc trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Did you know?
Despite being major importers of halal products, OIC member states are not currently among the top exporters of halal products to OIC countries. Countries like China and Brazil dominate the supply chain, a trend the D-8 aims to reverse through increased investment in industrial parks and food technology.
Strategic Initiatives for a Competitive Halal Economy
D-8 leaders are prioritizing the creation of an “Integrated Halal Trade Corridor” to streamline cross-border logistics and certification. According to Sohail Mahmood, D-8 Secretary General, the objective is to build competitive, resilient economies that integrate manufacturing, finance, and digital technologies. Key proposals include:
- Digital Halal Marketplace: A platform connecting SMEs, investors, and certification bodies to simplify market access.
- Regulatory Harmonization: Aligning standards across member states to reduce trade barriers.
- Future Halal Investment: Joint funding for AI, blockchain, and sustainable logistics to modernize production.
Regional Dynamics: Southeast Asia’s Halal Hubs
Southeast Asia remains a focal point for halal industry development. Indonesia, as the D-8 Chair for 2026–2027, has identified economic integration and halal industry expansion as core priorities. Meanwhile, Malaysia continues to lead in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, attracting $11.3 billion in halal-related foreign direct investment.
Other nations are rapidly professionalizing their halal sectors to compete globally:
- Thailand: Currently the world’s fifth-largest halal food producer, the country is leveraging over 200,000 halal-certified items to establish itself as a regional hub.
- The Philippines: Through its National Halal Industry Development Office, the country aims to attract $3.9 billion in investments and create 120,000 jobs.
- Cambodia & Vietnam: Both nations have recently established dedicated halal certification authorities and industrial parks to integrate into the global supply chain.
Pro Tip:
For businesses looking to enter the halal market, focus on “transparency, traceability, and trustability.” Ahmad Haikal Hassan, Head of the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency, notes that these qualities are now the modern benchmarks for elite, high-quality halal products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D-8 Organization?
The D-8 is an economic bloc established in 1997, consisting of nine Muslim-majority developing countries: Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye.
Why are non-OIC countries leading in halal exports?
According to DinarStandard, non-OIC countries like China, Brazil, and India benefit from established large-scale industrial production, advanced logistics, and highly developed supply chains that meet international certification standards at scale.
How does the D-8 plan to boost intra-bloc trade?
The organization is focusing on harmonizing halal standards, creating digital marketplaces for SMEs, and increasing joint investments in research, technology, and industrial infrastructure to reach a $500 billion trade target by 2030.
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