Furniture makers seek expansion in Asean markets

Local furniture manufacturers are looking to tap new overseas markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, to support the sector’s exports sales growth target of at least 10 percent this year.

Myrna Bituin, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. trustee for the furniture sector, said countries in Southeast Asia are attractive given the progress they are experiencing.

“ASEAN countries are so near us, the freight is cheaper. I am looking at Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur, and also Brunei Darussalam,” she said.

Aside from ASEAN economies, furniture makers are also looking at other new markets, such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Bituin said.

Industry players from Cebu, Manila and Pampanga will meet next month to craft an export marketing plan as the local market has remained robust.

“It will really be a marketing effort to look into the niche of the Philippine furniture products--whether it is in Europe, Middle East, or new ASEAN markets,” Bituin said.

Bituin said the sector would also seek government support in terms of marketing.

“The industry has to find its own niche, you need to have the right product for the export market. We have to cooperate with one another and really come up with the plan together with the government and Philexport,” she said.

The furniture sector is eyeing to grow its export revenues by at least 10 percent this year. It generated $557 million in revenues from January to November 2017.