Lifestyle product exports tipped to rebound in Q4

Supat Sriwannavit, president of the Thai Lifestyle Products Federation, which comprises eight associations, says orders in the fourth quarter will be worth about US$2.8 billion (Bt95.6 billion) – reversing negative growth of about 2 per cent in the first eight months of the year.
Thai lifestyle products include furniture, kitchenware, gifts, home decorative, textiles for homes, toys, and stationary.
 Supat said that in this segment Thailand was known for its good quality, creative designs, good after-sales service, and competitive prices, despite them having a higher retail price compared with China.
 “Traditional markets have still kept orders for Thai goods, despite the proportion declining following the global economic slowdown, as Thai products are known for their good quality. Many new markets are also interested in ordering Thai lifestyle products as the prices are not too high,” he said.
 To promote the sale of Thai lifestyle products, the Commerce Ministry will cooperate with the federation to host the 42nd International Gift and International Houseware Fair 2016 from October 19-23 at Bitec in Bang Na.
Malee Choklumlerd, director-general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said the event was expected to attract more than 60,000 Thai and foreign visitors, with some 10,000 traders.
“The government and private enterprises have set a goal to turn Thailand into the largest hub for manufacturing and the export of gifts and houseware in Asean. Thailand should also be known as a hub for good quality lifestyle products,” she said.
 Malee said that at the houseware fair over 480 companies would |display design excellence, creativity, and quality to both Thai and international buyers. It is expected |to generate sales of more than Bt1.5 billion.