Sindmóveis introduces business opportunities in Africa to its members

Sindmóveis International Committee has presented to its member companies market information that may contribute to the increase in exports by diversifying destinations. Currently, in addition to being the largest furniture manufacturer in the world, China has seen the highest growth in the last five years. While Brazil is the sixth largest furniture producer in the world, it ranks 29 in exports. The latest study by the Committee shows business opportunities in North African countries. None of the companies based in the local furniture center has business in the region, although this had been a very active market until 2008. Sindmóveis Director for International Affairs, César Boeira Nepomuceno, presented to the member companies some importers based in Algeria, Egypt and Morocco to define priority shopkeepers and organize a Buyer’s Project. “China accounts for approximately 70% of imports in this market, and the furniture they purchase closely resembles that produced in Bento Gonçalves. Therefore, we consider this a good opportunity for our furniture center,” he says. Companies that have participated in the meetings held by the International Committee agree with market research studies. The commercial coordinator at Motiva Móveis, Diana Dalla Costa, says that because their company has recently changed their product line drastically, going from economic to middle class residential office furniture it needs to reposition itself in the international market. She said the company is prospecting new markets not only to increase sales, but also to strengthen the brand and to expand its market share beyond the borders of the domestic market. The export manager at Ditalia, Gustavo Milan, believes that this is a good opportunity for the company to have contact with companies located in the region and potential business partners. “We can say that, logistically, we are able to supply that market complying with their delivery terms, which is a competitive advantage. Moreover, analyzing the African context, we can say that it is a region with good representation in furniture imports and a comprehensive population “, he said. Sindmóveis International Committee holds regular meetings in order to provide member companies with support to enter new markets abroad.