Malaysian has been a powerful wood products exporter, which provides great business opportunity for the woodworking machinery industry.

Malaysia’s furniture exports grew by 7.8% to RM8.08 billion in 2006. Wooden furniture was the largest export item, accounting for 79.1% of Malaysia’s furniture exports, increasing by 9.7% to RM6.39 billion. The markets for Malaysian furniture exports continues to be diversified, with the strongest growth registered in Australia, the UAE, India, China, Germany, Kuwait and United States.

Malaysian exports to West Asia show 20.8% growth, with wood products remain amongst top five exports to the region. Wood products are also amongst top export to EU, which grew by 19.7% to RM74.939 billion in 2006 compared with RM62.629 billion a year ago.

Despite the forecasted moderation in the expansion of the world economy and world trade, Malaysia is expected to continue to sustain the growth of its exports. One factor that will support the growth is the forecasted stronger expansion of the South East Asian economies, from 5.2% in 2006 to 5.6% in 2007. Asean accounted for 26.1% of Malaysia’s total exports in 2006.

Aseanwood-Woodtech Malaysia 2008 (WTM 2008) is the only official woodworking trade fair in the Asian region which receives extensive support, recognition and endorsement both from local and foreign associations. Being fully endorsed by the Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association (MWMA), WTM provides ample business opportunity in the woodworking and wood-related industries all under one roof.

Through continued strong support from EUMABOIS – the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers – WTM expects larger group participations from Europe.