BANGKOK, Aug 11 (TNA) – Thailand’s furniture export slightly dropped in the first half of this year as the country’s main export destinations were penetrated by key rivals, according to an industry executive.


Wattana Charoennawarat, President of the Thai Furniture Association, said on Thursday that the furniture export in the first half edged down by 1 per cent from the same period last year.

The decline stemmed from a successful move by China and Vietnam to grab a market share of such major destinations as Japan and the United States since labor wages there are cheaper than those in Thailand.

He said the total furniture export for the whole year is likely to miss the target of 50 billion baht by 3-5 per cent.

Next year, the association projected that the total furniture sale would increase by 15 per cent.

It hoped to see the sale rises by 20 per cent annually over the next five years or the export value to increase to 100 billion baht.

To enhance the total export, he said, exporters should focus on an aggressive strategy to find new markets, such as the Middle East, where purchase power and demand for products of high quality are high.

They must also try to position their products in hotels, resorts, spas and restaurants in other markets such as India, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia.

As well, they must attempt to add value to products through designs to leave the rivals behind.

He said the association is scheduled to organize the International Furniture and Design Objects 2013 at the IMPACT Trade and Exhibition Center in Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok during October 18-22.

He expected the event would serve as a venue to show potential of the Thai products.

Mr. Wattana conceded, however, that the strengthening of the Thai baht and rising oil prices would continue to be major obstacles to the country’s furniture export. (TNA) – E005