Indonesian Furniture Exports Up in January-June

Furniture exports during the January - June 2008 period increased by 9.78 percent compared to the same period last year, from US$ 346,8 million to US$ 380,7 million. According to Indonesian Furniture Association chairman, Ambar Tjahyono, the total export value this year is predicted to be US$ 2,6 billion. “This consists of US$ 2 billion worth of furniture and US$ 600 million in handicrafts,” she said yesterday.

She said, in 2009 furniture exports are predicted to rise by 10 percent or US$ 2,2 billion. To support the increase in exports, Ambar hopes the government will be able to help supply the raw material. So far, the craftsmen have had difficulty finding the raw materials, especially rattan. “Good quality rattan sought by businessmen is hard to find,” she added.Link....