The Malaysian furniture industry is currently facing a crisis when shipments to the United States (US) were immediately stopped following the implementation of a high 24% import tariff by the US government, effective April 9, 2025.
The Vice President of the Malaysian Furniture Council, Matthew Law, revealed that many manufacturers have postponed shipments at the request of customers in the US who are now concerned about market uncertainty.
The US is a country that contributes 60% of Malaysia's furniture exports, worth almost RM12.8 billion as of February 2025.
However, with the high taxes imposed on the country, customers from the US are now starting to consider switching to other countries that offer lower taxes.
The President of the Johor Furniture Manufacturers and Traders Federation, Steve Ong, called on the Malaysian government to immediately hold official negotiations with the US government so that Malaysia does not risk losing its main market.
While timber products are still exempt for now, Deputy Minister of Plantations and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, warned that new restrictions could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation by US authorities.
Malaysia is now betting on diplomatic negotiations – and time is running out!
