The total value of Malaysia’s timber exorts is expected to reach M$21bn this year, driven by global economic recovery.

In the first seven months of the year the value of exports increased 14.4% on the year to M$12.3bn, although demand is expected to soften slightly in the fourth quarter, said Malaysian Timber Council chief executive Cheah Kam Huan.

Speaking at a press conference during this week’s forum Dialogue on requirement for timber legality verification in the global market, which was attended by TTJ editor Mike Jeffree, Mr Cheah said that in 2009 export values fell 14.5% from M$22.79bn in 2008 to M$19.49bn.