Malaysia´s export earnings from timber products are expected to surge 5% in 2006, from 5.1 billion ringgit in 2005, on the back of firmer prices and growing demand from traditional markets. Firm prices for plywood and sawn timber and strong demand from Japan, which accounts for about 50% of the exports, South Korea (10%) and China (4%) are driving exports up. The growing demand is likely to be sustained to next year amid a continuing shortage of supply. (Source: Fordaq)