TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-The Indonesian Furniture and Craft Association (AMKRI) expressed optimism that the furniture business would grow by 10 percent this year.
“We’re optimistic due to the expansion of export destinations, not only to Europe that has been the largest market, but also to China and to several developing countries,” AMKRI secretary general Abdul Sobur in Jakarta on Thursday, March 24, 2016.
Sobur added that Indonesia’s furniture and craft industry targeted new export destinations, such as China, Middle East and Africa.
He revealed that the transaction value booked during the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2016 increased significantly to US$325 million compared to US$270 million in the previous year.
“It proves that Indonesian products are appealing for their uniqueness, design and material. However, they must be supported with proper regulations,” he explained.
Sobur said that an annual growth of 10 percent must be achieved to realize the export target set at US$5 billion by 2019.
Indonesia’s furniture export has been increasing amidst global economic slowdown. In 2012, Indonesia’s furniture industry recorded US$1.4 billion in export value, which increased to US$1.8 billion in 2013. In total, the value of the national wooden and rattan furniture exports reached US$2.2 billion in 2014.
ANTARA
