Malaysia’s wood furniture export value is expected to exceed RM13 billion by the end of 2021, an uptick from the RM12.8 billion recorded in 2020, according to the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry (MPIC).
The figures are achievable and commendable in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister of MPIC, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, commented: “Even during the pandemic, when we are facing low supply due to logistical problems such as transportation, the Movement Control Order and so on, the furniture industry has remained stable in terms of export value, so I reckon that it can exceed 13 billion.
“The end of the year – October to December – is the time for them to catch up by seizing the opportunity to export the available goods as fast as possible. I am confident their efforts would bear fruits.”
According to Zuraida, the first eight months of 2021 reached an export value of 6.6 billion for wood furniture sector, a 5.2% year-on-year increase.
She said: “The export potential is very high, as the US is the main export market which accounts for nearly 50%. Although we have competition from Vietnam, the Americans still regard Malaysia as the supplier of high-quality and stylish furniture that suits their taste.”
Johor Bahru city contributed 69% of Malaysia’s wood furniture export value in 2020, and Muar alone accounted for 46%.
Source: Daily Express
