PH furniture makers bullish for 2025 amid challenges
The three-day Philippine International Furniture Show opened on March 6 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and the latest trends in the local furniture industry. (Photo by Alden M. Monzon)
MANILA, Philippines — Local furniture makers on Thursday expressed optimism this year for the industry, hopeful that new opportunities and untapped overseas markets will help the sector continue with its recovery from the pandemic.
Erwin Tan, the chairman of this year’s , said that the construction business is booming again and that this renewed activity is creating opportunities for local furniture makers.
“All the projects that have been put on hold are now ongoing. So, we feel bullish about it, and that is why we try our best to improve the outlets or the shows like what you see now,” Tan told reporters on the sidelines of the three-day trade fair held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.
Tan said that they are also looking at markets in the Middle East, the United States and Europe.
We can bring it to Dubai, we can bring it to North Carolina, High Point. We can even bring it to Europe, in Milan,” he said.
To further strengthen the local furniture industry, Tan said they are asking for government support to bring their trade fair outside the Philippines.
Erwin Tan, chairman of this year’s Philippine International Furniture Show, expressed optimism for local furniture makers in 2025, citing the construction boom and untapped opportunities in promising overseas markets. (Photo by Alden M. Monzon)
“It is very expensive to bring shows like this abroad, and it’s not a joke. But with the government there, it’s going to be easier for us. They have all the connections, they have all the resources,” he said.
He said that the industry is an important contributor to the country’s economy, employing millions of workers to date.
The industry is not only about the furniture industry, it is about the design industry as well. And this includes products also,” he said.
Sought for comment, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said that furniture exports have gone down during the years.
To remedy this, he said they are working towards helping local furniture exporters utilize the benefits of the European Union’s (EU) preferential trade agreement.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that the Philippines exported $279.83 million worth of furniture and fixtures in 2024, 3.2 percent lower than the $288.96 million that the country shipped in the previous year.
