The 18th Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) in Kuala Lumpur is expected to generate RM3.5 billion in sales, reflecting the growth and resilience of Malaysia's furniture industry. However, concerns over potential tariffs on wood imports from the US pose a challenge for exporters.
The 18th edition of the Export Furniture Exhibition ( EFE ) is projected to achieve sales potential of RM3.5 billion throughout the event, running from March 2 to 5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, stated that this not only boosts Malaysia 's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but also strengthens buyer confidence in the EFE brand. He noted that wooden furniture exports reached RM9.9 billion in 2024, contributing 43.
2% of Malaysia's total timber export value, highlighting its crucial role in strengthening the nation's timber industry. \Johari commended the furniture industry for achieving an 8.4% growth in export value compared to the previous year, a remarkable achievement reflecting the industry's resilience and competitiveness. He emphasized that amidst growing trade tensions between major economies, industry players have the opportunity to diversify their markets and expand their business presence in previously overlooked areas. Johari underscored the importance of the Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC)'s efforts in organizing trade missions and participating in international exhibitions, as these initiatives unlock new business prospects and broaden export destinations, ensuring the continued growth of Malaysia's furniture industry. His speech was delivered on his behalf by his Deputy, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, at the opening ceremony of EFE 2025 at KLCC yesterday.\Meanwhile, Foong Hin revealed that local furniture industry players have expressed concerns regarding tariff issues pertaining to wood under discussion in the United States (US). He stated that Malaysia's furniture exports to the US amount to RM5 billion, representing 50% of the total furniture exports. Foong Hin explained that this tariff issue has been raised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) in Parliament, and ASEAN, as a collective voice, will submit its views to the US during a special summit. He clarified that this falls under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He further stated that within his ministry, the two sectors that would be impacted by tariffs on the US are the rubber glove and furniture sectors. Consequently, both sectors are inevitably affected as the US is their primary customer. Any adverse developments would impact export values and affect exporters and their workers. Foong Hin assured that his ministry will collaborate to gather feedback from industry players so that they can communicate with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). He emphasized that MITI is the competent ministry to handle this issue, but their responsibility is to remain engaged with industry players and share their concerns to formulate appropriate policies to persuade their counterparts. \US President, Donald Trump, has directed an investigation into the possibility of imposing tariffs on wood imports, while also urging an increase in domestic supply. Last Saturday, Trump signed another executive order instructing Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to initiate an investigation to determine the impact of wood, lumber, and related product imports on national security. This study could potentially lead to the implementation of new tariffs, adding to existing levies
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