furniture exporters

Guide to Furniture export Industry & furniture exporters - Author Annie Zaidi.

Furniture is one of the most basic requirements of every home and every organization, regardless of size or worth. This fact also makes furniture one of the most solid industries to invest in, whether it is through manufacturing or exporting. Internationally, the trend is a distinct tilt towards furniture exports, since more and more people are exposed to international styles and are willing to spend money on getting exclusive designs into their drawing rooms or lobbies.

In India, there are two distinct trends. One is to get furniture imported from Europe, especially Italy. The other is a return to traditional handcrafted designs or antiques. Simultaneously, there is also an increasing demand for handcrafted furniture exports from India.
Furniture is traditionally wooden, though most regions have their own especial preferences. Tribals use bamboo, for example, while Kashmiris use walnut. South India was known for ebony and rosewood, and Rajasthan is famous for latticework and painted, collapsible chairs.
In offices, there is a demand for plywood surfaces, plastic or metallic chairs and tables, in combination with glass or wood. In homes, the drawing rooms are mostly filled with upholstered furniture, like sofas.Handicrafts are mostly cottage or small-scale industries, and they contribute to over 80% of furniture produced in India. Besides, the furniture sector in India is not very organized; most craftsmen have their own small shops, with customers paying a visit to order whatever they like.

Perhaps this is one reason why India is low on the list of furniture exporters (according to one survey, India ranked 48th in 2000). Part of the reason could be that local artisans are not aware of international trends and tastes, making exports difficult.
However, with branding of furniture designs, awareness and efforts of export promotion councils, the furniture exports sector can be pushed towards faster growth.