China's furniture industry experienced a chilly winter last year, especially in overseas markets, because of the economic slowdown in developed countries.
Statistics from the Wind Information Co show China's export volume of furniture and related components amounted to $48.82 billion last year, increasing 28.7 percent from $37.94 billion a year earlier. However, a large part of the increase came from the export of components.
"Although our exports declined in terms of the number of units, a rise in unit prices indicated increased added value," said Gao from Forward Business Intelligence Co.
Shirley Wang, Camerich's brand and marketing director, said although her company experienced robust development in overseas markets - currently 40 to 60 percent of the company's revenue is from abroad - it still faces market uncertainty.
"The uncertainty is the result of the gloomy global economy and the slowdown in growth of China's furniture industry chain. I believe it's a common challenge facing all Chinese furniture producers," she said.
Zhu from China National Furniture Association said the overseas expansion of Chinese furniture companies is still in its infancy. "It cannot boom overnight. All of us should adopt a down-to-earth attitude to enhance our capabilities in terms of design, manufacturing and management. At the same time, we should learn the rules of local markets and use the law to protect ourselves," said Zhu, adding there was still a long way to go.
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