MTC Marketing Mission To US Rakes In Sales Of US$2.23 Million

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Timber Council's (MTC) marketing mission to the United States from April 4-12 raked in US$2.23 million (RM9.02 million) in confirmed and potential sales. The mission was also in conjunction with the International Wood Products Association's 60th World of Wood Convention in Austin, Texas, in the United States (US). It was attended by more than 250 importers, service providers, government agencies and suppliers of wood products from 25 countries. In a statement Monday, the MTC said the mission was led by its Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdul Rahim Nik and saw 11 of the 17 companies securing sales. Of the 11, six were first-time participants in such a mission and bagged 63.6 per cent or sales of US$1.42 million (RM5.74 million). Abdul Rahim said the growing interest in the US for Malaysian products served as a boost for local manufacturers. "The US market is not just a traditional, but also growing market which Malaysian wood-based manufacturers can benefit from, considering the change in buying trends among Americans," he added. Many US importers want to reintroduce Meranti wood into the market after replacing it with Mahogany from the Philippines and Spanish Cedar, said the MTC. The US is proving to be a ready market for Malaysian flooring, Dark Red Meranti and Nemesu decking, Meranti sawntimber, finger-jointed and laminated timber, thus providing excellent business opportunities for Malaysian manufacturers and exporters. Trading is also made easy as Malaysia meets the United States Lacey Act requirement which assures that the timber is attained through legal means. The US is an important trade partner for Malaysia, especially where exports of wooden furniture is concerned. A major market, Malaysia's exports of timber products to the US rose 25.4 per cent to US$767.13 million (RM3.1 billion). It is the largest market for wooden furniture accounting for 34 per cent of Malaysia's total exports. --BERNAMA