Brazil looks to increase leather furniture exports
The Brazilian Association of the Furniture Industry (ABIMOVEL) and the Centre for the Brazilian Tanning Industry (CICB) have entered into a joint initiative aimed at helping the country take a bigger slice of the world market for leather furniture.
The programme has the support of the Exports Promotion Agency APEX through PROMOVEL, the Brazilian Programme for Furniture Exports Increase - an Integrated Sector Project (PSI) bringing together 535 furniture manufacturers. It has already been launched to the furniture industry through a series of presentations and, in common with other PSIs, is aimed at bringing product quality levels into line with international standards. At the same time, it also provides practical marketing support including assistance with attending overseas trade fairs.
According to Pedro Paulo Pamplona, managing director of PROMOVEL, the initiative is consistent with the growing recognition among Brazilian businesses that the best way to access export markets is to diversify into new product areas. Said Mr Pamplona: "Currently, the huge potential offered by Brazil’s output of large wet blue hides is being exploited by furniture makers in every country but Brazil, as the bulk of those hides are exported. The new programme is aimed at reversing this anomalous situation and building a domestic leather furnituremaking sector appropriate to our status as a major leather producing nation."
Mr. Pamplona is hopeful that the opportunities for growth will be consolidated when a new Central Services Desk starts operating. The desk will offer a host of services to PROMOVEL participants including legal advice; production process support; commercial promotion abroad; advice regarding product logistics and insurance; help with identifying demand and adjusting offer; after-sales guidelines and the creation of a trading company for the furniture sector.
