Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said furniture exports increased by 3.2% year-on-year to RM6.14bil in the first five months of this year, versus RM5.96bil in the same period last year.
PETALING JAYA: Demand for Malaysian made furniture from foreign buyers remains high due to its quality and the use locally-sourced raw materials.
The international interest is reflected in the group purchase missions to annual events like the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF).
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said furniture exports increased by 3.2% year-on-year to RM6.14bil in the first five months of this year, versus RM5.96bil in the same period last year.
“There is a positive trend for Malaysian furniture exports. Malaysia is one of the world’s 10 biggest furniture and furniture parts exporters. We play a vital role in meeting global furniture demand and remain competitive against industry players in other countries.
“The local furniture industry has evolved into a multi-billion ringgit export segment since the 1980s when local manufacturers only offered a small number of products.
“Now 85% of Malaysia’s annual furniture production is exported to more than 160 countries, with wood furniture being the major product,” he said in his address at the MIFF 2022, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).
The MIFF, which kicked-off yesterday, has attracted more than 5,000 pre-registered buyers from 100 countries and participated by 200 exhibitors from 11 countries including China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Gabon, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
MIFF is the biggest expo of Malaysian furniture for homes and commercial indoor and outdoor needs, according to MIFF founder and chairman Datuk Tan Chin Huat.
“Buying sentiment at this MIFF is driven by pent-up demand following the opening of borders.
“As Malaysia’s largest furniture export platform, MIFF is supportive of the recovery in the economy and to deliver a message that Malaysia is back to business.
“We are committed to creating the momentum to growing Malaysia’s furniture exports and role in the global supply chain,” he said.
The MIFF event is in its 27th year and has become the preferred platform of Malaysian furniture designers and manufacturers to expand their presence globally by exporting to overseas retailers.
Home grown furniture manufacturer BSL Furniture Sdn Bhd director Nick Wee said the MIFF was a perfect platform for the company to look for overseas retailers and importers.
“When we decided to look at the export business in 2012, we started to showcase our products in MIFF. We have been a regular exhibitor since.
“The event is instrumental to furniture manufacturing and export business. It exposes us to global buyers from the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea. BSL Furniture now exports to these countries.”
The Johor-based company specialises in bedroom furniture for children.
