INTERACTIVE: Here’s why US tariffs are hitting Malaysia’s furniture makers hard

Employees assembling furniture in a manufacturing plant in Muar, Johor. These companies are facing increased pressure due to a fresh round of US tariffs. — Photo courtesy of Muar Furniture Association

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s multi-billion-ringgit furniture industry can’t easily cushion the impact of the United States’ tariffs by selling more to other markets. At least not in the short term, say manufacturers.

Muar Furniture Association (MFA) president Steve Ong said no other export market comes close to the United States in terms of market size and demand for Malaysian wooden furniture.