Exporting wooden furniture to NZ nearly a lost cause — DTI

Phytosanitary issues—relating to the sanitary requirements for plant or plant-based products for export—will continue to prevent Philippine furniture exports to totally access the New Zealand market, the Department of Trade and Industry said. According to Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio, the chance of Philippine furniture, especially wooden furniture, flourishing in the New Zealand market is very slim. "New Zealand authorities are very strict [about] the entry of wooden furnitures from the Philippines. They fear these wooden products might bring pests, like termites," he said. "We almost give up on the New Zealand market," Panlilio said.    But, he said, "We will continue to work [for] other export products." He said among these are housewares, souvenir items and electronics, which account for the bulk of the country's exports every year. According to available data, Philippine exports of furniture and bedding to New Zealand only reached NZ$2 million in 2011. All commodities exports accounted for NZ$120.9 million, followed by fruits and nuts at NZ$58.4 million; electronics and machineries at NZ$15 million; and prepared or processed fruits and vegetables at NZ$4.7 million. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP) said industry players will develop a comprehensive branding program that targets 15 companies per year based on their potentials. The branding will boost the local furniture industry and create a positive image for the Philippines, said CFIP. The strategy is expected to double export revenues in the next five years from this year’s target of $200 million as the program will give manufacturers a better chance of getting a better selling price for their products. — BM, GMA News