The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) has reported first quarter 2021 wood product exports in a recent press release. Exports by the wood-based sector recorded a strong performance in the first quarter 2021 even though the country is still facing a pandemic crisis.
The export of Malaysian timber products has seen a strong performance. Photo by Malaysian Timber Council
Total exports increased 9.9% to RM6.04-billion over the same period of last year. The three main markets were Europe, America, and Oceania.
Wood product exports to Europe saw an encouraging recovery, increasing with almost 10%. The three main export products were wooden furniture (RM242.9-million), joinery products (RM96.5- million) and sawnwood (RM73.9-million).
The United States is a major market for Malaysia accounting for 60% of the country’s wooden furniture exports.
Exports to the US increased 47% to RM1.93-billion. Exports to African and Asian markets declined in the first quarter of this year. In India and the UAE the second wave of Covid-19 has limited commercial activity. In addition, Malaysia has to compete with China which offers competitive prices in the Indian and UAE markets.
