Gift, holiday décor sectors forecast steady growth

ndustries engaged in the manufacturing of gifts, housewares and holiday décor (GDH) see opportunities to increase exports to US and Japan, as they aim to hit an annual growth rate of 5 to 10 percent over the next 15 years.

Under the GDH roadmap launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the sector considered US and Japan as lucrative markets if maximized. Philippine exports represent only 1.4 percent to 3.6 percent of their imports.

This, even as the two countries were still the Philippine top export markets for GDH products in 2014.

For holiday decors alone, the US comprised 86 percent while Japan at 3 percent. Other markets include Canada, United Kingdom, Russia and others.

To become competitive, exports or imports per product categories had to be looked into to determine where the country's advantages are such as basketwork and wickerwork products, animal carving and lighting sets.

GDH industries can sponsor participation both in local and international trade fairs and exhibitions, and organize governmentsubsidized outbound trade missions to targeted markets and non-traditional markets.

Industry players will also explore the growing domestic market particularly local and foreign tourists; and home/condominium developers.

"GDH is tied to tourism industry and is a great way of promoting local culture," noted the roadmaps.

Holiday décor are Christmas tree bulbs, lighting sets of a kind used for Christmas, articles for Christmas festivities, and other festive, carnival or other entertainment articles.

Gifts product lines include postage or revenue stamps; paintings/ drawings and pastels executed entirely by hand; and worked capiz shells/ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, antlers, coral, mother-of-pearl and other animal carving materials.

On the other hand, housewares include artificial flower plants/ trees, basketworks/wicker works, ceramics, glass (decorative items), kitchenware/tableware, shellcrafts and woodwares.

The GDH industries currently comprise only 0.76 percent of total Philippine exports.

Nova Z. Navo, University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries Research Division head, crafted the roadmap. (PNF)