Malaysia's timber sector posts RM9.4 billion in exports for first half of 2026

Export earnings from Malaysia's timber industry totaled RM9.4 billion between January and June 2026, while the average yearly export value remains above RM20 billion, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. She explained that the industry is expanding beyond raw timber to include furniture, doors, flooring, building components and various lifestyle products. At the Road to the Oud and Wood Artisan Expo (OWA) and the pre-launch of OWA 2027, she emphasized agarwood's potential, citing its distinctive aroma for essential oils, fragrances and premium goods, and noting that over two million karas trees have been planted across the country.

The minister called for a more organized agarwood value chain—from cultivation to branding—to move Malaysia from raw-material exporter to a producer of high-value branded products. She also mentioned that the OWA initiative showcases other agricultural commodities and aims to connect producers, artisans and entrepreneurs with broader markets.