Sarawak’s timber exports were worth an estimated M$7bn in 2004, according to preliminary figures released by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC).
The exports, an improvement on the M$6.21bn recorded in 2003, were sold to markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and the US.
STIDC said plywood, sawn timber, laminated board, MDF and mouldings were the top products.
A total of 2.84 million m3 was shipped last year, with plywood earning M$3.98m, a 40% increase on 2003.
STIDC said the introduction of CE marking in the EU and a Japanese certification system on the import of plywood had helped the competitiveness of Sarawak’s timber products.
MDF and mouldings exports were expected to have grown by 5% and 34% respectively. Log exports declined to 4.47 million m3 and were worth M$1.83bn.
