THE Philippine furniture and home décors sector is strengthening its bid to to get a bigger chunk of Germany’s market through the country participation in the upcoming Ambiente 2019 show this month.
On Feb. 8 to 12, LifestylePhilippines will once again champion sustainable design in Ambiente to be held at Messe Frankfurt, Germany. Filipino artisan communities will showcase export quality pieces derived from different natural resources abundant in the Philippines such as mother of pearl, abaca (Manila hemp), raffia, rattan and other plant fibers.
These renewable resources are transformed into unique, functional products that reflect the exquisite Filipino design sustainability.
“With 209 square meters of display area, this year is the country’s biggest participation so far as 24 strong exhibitors from the home décor and houseware, lamps and lighting and gifts and seasonal décor sectors will be joining us,” said Pauline Suaco-Juan, executive director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.
The German economy is the world’s fourth largest economy. It is also the largest consumer market in the EU with a population of 82.3 million. Recognizing the significance of the German marketplace, the Philippines targets Germany as one of its major export destinations.
“The Philippines is doing very well in exporting to Germany, especially in electronics. It is high time that we fully offer our other areas of expertise such as our high-quality consumer products in the home and décor sector,” said Suaco-Juan.
“Moreover, the country’s focus to target Germany will not go to waste as “Made in the Philippines” products get a boost from the EU Generalized System of Preferences Plus (EU-GSP+),” she added.
Philippine producers can take advantage of the preferential trade arrangements and export more than 6,000 products to any of the 28-member countries of the EU at zero tariff using the GSP+. Products that may avail of the duty-free access include coconut and marine products, processed fruit, prepared food, animal and vegetable fats and oils, textiles, garments, headwear, footwear, furniture, umbrellas, and chemicals.
Philippine exports to Germany generated US$2.62 billion in 2017, according to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade. The country’s furniture and lighting industry generated US$26.04 million in 2017. (Philexport News and Features)