US and EU moves could cripple Malaysia’s Meranti and Keruing exports

Malaysia's timber industry is facing mounting pressure as the United States and European Union consider new trade restrictions, including tariffs and the potential classification of key timber species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The proposed listing of Shorea, known locally as Meranti, and Apitong (Keruing) under CITES could significantly limit exports to Western markets. This, combined with impending US tariffs, is raising concerns about the future of Malaysia's timber exports, industry representatives say. Wong Kar Wai, treasurer of the Timber Exporters’ Association of Malaysia (TEAM), said ...