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Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star
January 6, 2026 | 12:00am
Myrna Bituin, trustee for the furniture sector of Philexport said the group expects furniture exports to remain flat in 2026, with manufacturers’ production down by 50 percent.
Philstar.com / File photo
US slaps higher tariff on imports
MANILA, Philippines — The country’s furniture exports are expected to post flat growth this year amid a challenging global environment, according to the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).
Myrna Bituin, trustee for the furniture sector of Philexport said the group expects furniture exports to remain flat in 2026, with manufacturers’ production down by 50 percent.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that woodcraft and furniture exports from January to November last year reached $391.09 million, up by 25 percent from $312.16 million in the same period in 2024.
However, Bituin said global demand is “not doing very well.”
“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 aside from Philexport,” she said.
Effective Jan. 1, the US slapped steeper tariffs on some imported furniture items. The increase was planned under an earlier tranche of sector-specific tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, as the US leader widened a slate of duties he has rolled out since returning to the White House.
Thus, Bituin said the sector needs government support in terms of international promotion, particularly participation in trade shows, to boost export growth.
“We really need their help even only on the promotion. We’re not asking for help in our factories but promotion is very, very expensive because you have to be at the marketplace,” she said.
To build trust, credibility and market presence, she said exporters need to join international trade fairs for a minimum of three times.
She also said attending international trade shows abroad is needed to promote products and generate orders.
In addition, continuous product development is also important for the sector.
“That’s the key. When the buyer comes, you have something new to show,” Bituin said.
“You have to always be aware of the market trends, that’s important. And then productivity level of company – that’s the key,” she added.
