Malaysian exports of mdf & pb fell

Malaysian exports of mdf & pb fell by an average 22 percent in first quarter 2009, largely due to weak demand from Japan & the Us. Prices are now level with those of mid 2007 and may fall further. Domestic demand has slumped, and a period of bad weather, massive layoffs and plant closures forced mainly by declines in building and construction along with weak demand for panel-based household items in export markets are the cause.