The figures, from the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), show biggest demand from Japan, which accounts for around 50% of all exports, followed by South Korea (10%) and China (4%).
Firmer prices of sawn timber and plywood will see a 5% rise from RM5.1bn in 2005.
MTC senior director Cheah Kam Huan said the price of plywood was now at US$3.50 per m3, while sawn timber, especially dark red meranti was at US$1,150 per m3.
“Overall, the demand has grown tremendously and prices, which have increased since last year, would likely spill over to next year amid a shortage of supply,” Mr Cheah said at the launch of MTC Wood Wizard, a searchable database to help specifiers, designers and contractors search for the right timber for their projects.
