Handicraft makers see 10% jump in exports

Handicraft makers expect to register a 10-percent growth in exports this year on the back of sustained orders from some of the country’s biggest markets, according to the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport).

In the first six months of the year, the sector posted an estimated 6 to 7 percent growth, according to a Philexport statement, which quoted Dennis Orlina, president of the Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries Inc.

“There are companies indicating revenue increases. So I think we are on track at achieving the 10-percent [goal] based on last year’s [$130 million sales],” Orlina was quoted as saying.

Some of the country’s major markets for handicrafts include the United States, Japan and Germany.

But Orlina underscored the need to develop more varieties of indigenous raw materials that are used in production. This, he believes, can boost export sales.

“Abaca is unique to the Philippines. We should develop other fiber groups not produced by other countries. This will improve our capacity on all fronts,” Orlina said.