Kuala Lumpur, 17 November 2025 – The Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2025, held from 10 to 11 November at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), reaffirmed its position as a premier platform for advancing Malaysia’s timber and wood-based products industry. Organised by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), the exhibition brought together global buyers, industry leaders and innovators keen to forge sustainable partnerships and explore Malaysia’s growing expertise in value-added wood products.
In conjunction with the showcase, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), together with the MTC, successfully facilitated 358 business meetings between 50 Malaysian exporters and 78 foreign buyers from 27 countries, generating RM177.56 million in export through its International Sourcing Programme (INSP).
Participating buyers came from diverse markets including Australia, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Mexico, South Africa, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The wide range of products sourced, from plywood, sawn timber and mouldings to medium-density fibreboard (MDF), veneer, wooden doors, floorings and furniture components, reflects the depth and versatility of Malaysia’s wood-based offerings.
MATRADE‘s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, said that strategic partnerships are important in driving sustainable export growth for Malaysian industries. “This collaboration demonstrates how collective effort can propel Malaysia’s wood industry to new heights. Malaysia’s timber and wood-based exports, including wooden furniture, recorded a 5% increase to RM22.92 billion in 2024, reflecting the industry’s resilience and sustained demand from global markets. This growth reflects how Malaysian exporters are successfully embracing sustainable and value-driven practices to meet global demand.”
He further added, “as global buyers increasingly value sustainability and traceability, it is crucial that Malaysian wood-based products are sourced responsibly and certified to meet international environmental standards and long-term market trust. Major export destinations included Japan, Singapore and Australia, where buyers increasingly recognise the quality and credibility of Malaysia’s certified wood products“.
“The strong participation of buyers from key growth markets such as Egypt, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates and Turkiye does not only reflect the success of Malaysia’s ongoing market diversification efforts, but also underscores the growing interest and confidence in Malaysia’s high-quality, sustainably produced wood-based products.”
MTC Chief Executive Officer, Puan Noraihan Abdul Rahman, highlighted the industry’s growing focus on innovation and technology:
“The Malaysian wood-based industry continues to evolve in line with the changing global market trends that emphasise design innovation and integration of new technologies“.
“Through initiatives like the Malaysian Wood Expo, MTC aims to help our industry players adapt to these shifts whether through advanced manufacturing systems, automation, or the use of digital platforms to reach global buyers. Malaysian wood-based products are not only known for their quality and durability, but also for their innovative designs and responsible sourcing. By embracing technology and sustainable practices, our exporters can position themselves as world-class players,” she said.
The success of MWE 2025 and the INSP reflects Malaysia’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable trade growth and innovation within the wood-based industry. Through continued collaboration between MATRADE, MTC and industry stakeholders, Malaysia aims to strengthen its global presence, build long-term partnerships and position its wood-based products as sustainable, high-quality and competitive offerings in the international marketplace.
