Filipino furniture exporters are calling for increased government support as soaring costs of international promotion hamper efforts to tap new overseas markets and revive sluggish growth.
Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhileExport) furniture sector trustee Myrna Bituin said exporters expect a flat performance in 2026, matching 2025 levels.
She said production volumes have plummeted by as much as 50 percent due to weak global economic conditions.
Bituin said while the domestic market remains stable, the export sector requires urgent intervention to remain viable.
She said the industry is looking to the government and PhileExport for assistance in navigating the high costs of entering international markets.
The industry is not seeking subsidies for factory operations but for financial help for marketing. Bituin said presence in the global marketplace is expensive, yet necessary for survival.
Industry data show the furniture sector’s share of total Philippine exports has declined to about 7 percent, down from a previous high of 12 percent.
Bituin said exporters should participate in international trade fairs at least three times to establish the trust and credibility required to secure long-term contracts.
Beyond promotion, Bituin said sustained product development is essential for competitiveness. She said having new designs to showcase when buyers arrive is the key to growth, alongside a strict focus on market trends and company productivity.
