KUALA LUMPUR (July 17): Malaysian furniture exports to the US is expected to grow at least 20% annually for the next three years amid an increase in sales of completed products due to the US-China trade war.

Malaysian Furniture Council president Chua Chun Chai said today that due to the trade tension, Malaysian furniture manufacturers exported less components to China as Malaysian exports of completed furniture to the US increased.

"This may be a result of import diversion among American buyers, who may be shifting their orders to countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia," Chua told reporters here today on the positive impact of the US-China trade war to Malaysian furniture exporters.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (MATRADE) is the organiser of the press conference.

According to Malaysian furniture exporters' data, the country's furniture exports increased to RM4.14 billion in the first five months of 2019 versus RM3.77 billion a year earlier.

Between January and May, furniture exports to the US rose to RM1.55 billion from RM1.29 billion, according to the data.

Chua noted that other emerging furniture markets that recorded substantial growth were Canada, the Philippines besides Middle Eastern and South American countries.