Local furniture manufacturers are optimistic about sales growing by at least 10 to 15 percent in 2020, as they penetrate more overseas markets while tapping the growing domestic market.
“The plan of the industry is to go on a massive marketing strategy. Our target is to go to 10 markets for three years. That’s where we feel the buyers can really feel our presence because that is important,” said Myrna Bituin, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) trustee for the furniture sector.
Bituin also underscored the importance of “strong” product development for export markets.
“Product development is very, very important. It should never be considered just a part but it’s an integral part of your business to have product development because you have a major show wherein the buyers would come every year,” she said.
Bituin said they are keen on tapping new export markets, particularly Doha, Qatar, Lithuania, and Russia.
In ASEAN region, she considered Malaysia a very good market for local furniture makers.
Bituin said the United States remains their biggest export market, but they are also planning to tap the huge Japanese market.
“One of the things the industry can do is partnership. We are not opponents. The industry should harmonize with one another when it comes to projects,” she said.
Bituin said furniture manufacturers have also been very active in the local market while incurring slight gains in exports. – Press release
