Jun 16, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. With the Malaysian ringgit strengthening against most major currencies, including the US dollar, the Euro and Sterling, a decline in furniture exports in the current year is being forecast. Exports of Malaysian furniture are expected to decline by up to 15%, from RM7.95 billion ($2.6 billion) in 2010 to RM6.8 billion ($2.2 billion) for 2011. This decline would be the worst in the past 3 years, ITTO reported. The Malaysia Furniture Entrepreneur Association (MFEA) reported that exports by its members had declined from RM1.97 billion ($645 million) in the 1Q 2010 to RM1.66 billion ($544 million) in the 1Q 2011. Exports for the 2Q are expected to come in below RM1.98 billion ($649 million). For the Japanese furniture market, exports registered a 12% decline to RM166 million ($54.4 million) for the 1Q 2011 compared to RM186 million ($61 million) for the 1Q 2010. Japan was the second largest market for MFEA members in 2010, with exports valued at RM709 million ($232 million) out of a total of RM7.95 billion ($2.6 billion) for the year.