In 1997, the Republic exported US$514 million worth of timber and timber products to many countries including Japan, China, Hong Kong, the Middle East, India, Europe and the USA. The dynamic growth of Singapore's timber trade is attributable to several factors. It is the centre of the world's major timber producing zone of the South East Asia. This, coupled with its strategic location on the sea routes and highly developed infrastructure and facilities, gave Singapore a natural headstart in timber business.

As one of the world's major trading centres for timber products, Singapore has developed a highly reliable control management system for the timber trade. A high standard of reliability is ensured by compulsory registration of all parties involved in the export of logs, sawn timber and plywood, and through grading and check-grading of sawn timber prior to shipment. Recently, IE and the local timber business community launched the Singapore Timber Trade Procedures (STTP) to further enhance Singapore's role as a reliable source of timber. These measures encourage overseas buyers to use Singapore as a reliable partner, quality control and re-export centre.

The Singapore Timber Website is a continuing effort by the Singapore timber fraternity and the Singapore Trade Development Board to introduce the large number of Singapore timber companies and their products and services to overseas buyers and users.