China exported US$17.4 billion of furniture in 2006 and the figure is expected to reach 48 billion dollars in 2010, according to the industry association.

Zhang Zhongling, a senior official with the China Building Decoration Association, said China had become the world's biggest furniture exporter.

The mushrooming furniture industry has also driven expansion of the woodworking machinery industry.

The 12th Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Fair China (WMF), to be held in Beijing next year, is expected to attract more than 600 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions.

The WMF has become the largest woodworking machinery expo in Asia, and fourth largest in the world.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2007)