Brazilian Manufacturers Positioned in High Point To Take Advangage Of Chinese Bedroom Furniture Tariffs

Furniture World Magazine

With likely tariffs to be slapped on Chinese-made bedroom furniture, Brazil’s low-cost production will be an important focus of many U.S. importers seeking alternative sources during this week’s Fall Furniture Market. Ready to seize an opportunity, the Brazilian Furniture and Upholstery Association (AFECOM), a consortium of 21 Brazilian furniture manufacturers, will debut their diverse production capabilities at here, as an emerging substitute production source. As a result of a preliminary finding by the Department of Commerce that Chinese-made bedroom furniture is being “dumped” in the United States, the tariffs are expected to go into effect late next month after an expected final determination. Based in the heart of Brazil’s furniture manufacturing region in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, 10 AFECOM producers will physically share a 1,400 square foot temporary showroom in the Radisson Hotel on Main Street. The factories will present their respective production capabilities mostly for wood furniture, in addition to fabric and leather upholstery and decorative accessories. “This is a good time for Brazil furniture makers to introduce themselves and show what they can do,” said Andreia Gentilini Milan, AFECOM’S export officer. “Right now we know that many American factories are seeking production partners because of an uncertainty in global sourcing, particularly from China and the Pacific Rim.” In addition to production capabilities, Gentilini Milan explained that Brazil is favored for its geographic proximity and European-based cultural congruence with the United States. With the Brazilian economy at low ebb, the government is inducing exports in all manufacturing segments. AFECOM has been working with consultants Aktrin-Dossenbach Associates which visited each plant to identify product and production capabilities for the United States market, in addition to assisting in strategic planning. At market in High Point, AFECOM members scheduled to exhibit are:   Orlando Bussolotto Mármores Granitos, Ltda. Wood, Occasional, stone Conforfex Móveis, Ltda Upholstery Estofados Dorigon, Ltda. Estofados Grando, Ltda Upholstery Madelustre Industrial Decorative Accessories Móveis Tremarin, Ltda. Wood, Occasional Multimóveis Indústria de Móveis, Ltda.  Wood, Occasional Politorno Móveis , Ltda. Wood, Occasional Sademi Moveis, Ltda. Wood, Occasional Tempo Novo Indústria Moveleira, Ltda. Upholstery Veneza Móveis e Decorações, Ltda.  Wood, Occasional Vila Nobre Estofados, Ltda. Upholstery