Sarawak increased its timber and wood product exports by 33% in value during the first four months of 2010.

Sales for the industry reached M$2.5bn (2009: M$1.9m), with sawn timber values increasing by 19%, plywood by 37% and mouldings by 58%. But chipboard value rose the most – 241%.

The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation said sawn timber export volumes reached 293,223m³ with a value of M$268m, while plywood volumes hit 982,570m³ worth M$1.3bn.

India was the largest buyer of the state’s logs – importing 794,999m³ worth M$406m during the period.