Made in Malaysia furniture ranks among the top 10 largest exporters of furniture in the world with some 80% of its production being delivered abroad. This achievement would not have been possible without the industry keeping abreast of technical advances and global changes in consumer tastes and shifting from being Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) or Original Brand Manufacturing (OBM). This evolution has seen the industry undergoing a dynamic transformation from traditional cottage operations to an export-oriented industry driven by design, innovation and technology, and adding greater value to its exports.
The industry’s tremendous growth has been built on a strong manufacturing foundation that evolved from being a provider of raw materials to one with availability of skilled workers, excellent design capabilities and good manufacturing practices. In 2020, the industry saw exports valued at RM12.86 billion or a double-digit increase of 15.5% compared with the previous year.
A variety of local plantation wood including rubber wood are used in the manufacturing process with other options such as plastic, metal, leather, fabric, composites and a combination of mixed materials and other imported temperate and tropical timbers being utilised to create designs that are both functional and appealing. These items are exported to over 160 countries and comprise mainly bedroom, living room and kitchen wooden furniture as well as seats, wooden furniture components and furniture of other materials. Garden or outdoor furniture from tropical hardwoods are in high demand by European consumers.
Malaysian furniture can currently be found in the USA, Japan, Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom, with great potential for export to the Scandinavian countries, Central Europe, South America, South Korea and South Asia. The industry is recognised globally as being among the most innovative and trendy with highly durable products. It has also created a niche in the green furniture segment, thus contributing to sustainability and the conservation of the environment.
MATRADE can assist interested furniture wholesalers and retailers partner with the most suitable Malaysian furniture designer or manufacturer.
The tagline, “Choose Malaysia”, carries with it a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence in your choice of a variety of outstanding types of furniture.
For more information about MATRADE, please visit www.matrade.gov.my.