The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has partnered with global e-commerce giant Wayfair to help Malaysian exporters gain a larger share of the lucrative US furniture market.
The collaboration also aims to accelerate the digital transformation of local furniture exporters.
Matrade chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof noted that Malaysia is currently the sixth-largest US furniture supplier, holding a 2.4 per cent market share.
He said the data tells a story of resilience amid the current global economic headwinds.
Between January and November 2025, Malaysia’s share of furniture exports to the US strengthened from 47.0 per cent to 49.5 per cent.
Meanwhile, the export value grew by 3.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to RM5.7 billion, maintaining the US as Malaysia’s largest furniture export market.
Wayfair Malaysia country manager Douglas Choong said Malaysia stands out as a highly reliable and credible furniture sourcing destination.
Choong said the country offers a strong ecosystem of manufacturers that are export-ready, quality-driven and increasingly aligned with global sustainability standards.
“This positions Malaysia as a strategic partner for Wayfair as we continue to expand our global supplier network,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Malaysian exporters are being encouraged to move beyond traditional free-on-board export models and adopt direct cross-border e-commerce approaches.
Under the new regional structure, Wayfair’s Kuala Lumpur office will work closely with its regional hubs in Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh City to support suppliers across Southeast Asia.
Matrade reaffirmed that its offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami remain ready to assist Malaysian businesses in navigating both digital and conventional trade channels, ensuring a seamless expansion into the US market. – NST ONLINE
