Furniture exporters seeking overseas promotion support

FURNITURE exporters said they need government support to offset the high cost of international promotion, which they said is essential in expanding into more overseas markets.

In a statement, Myrna Bituin, trustee for the furniture sector of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., added that the furniture industry expects its 2026 performance to be little changed from last year’s.

Ms. Bituin added that export sales remain weak though domestic demand has been strong.

“Some exporters say the local market is very good… But the export market is different; that’s really our target. So I think it is something that we should be worried about and we are looking to the government,” she was quoted as saying in the statement.

Ms. Bituin said the industry is deterred from participating in international trade fairs by the cost.

She added that exporters typically need to join at least three international trade fairs to build credibility, gain buyer trust, and establish market presence.

Ms. Bituin said attending overseas exhibitions could help arrest the furniture industry’s declining share of total exports, currently at about 7% from 12% previously.

She also stressed the importance of continuous product development.

“When the buyer comes, you have something new to show,” she said. “You have to always be aware of the market trends, that’s important. And then productivity level of the company — that’s the key.” — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel