TIFF 2015 promises a great trade platform for buyers and furniture makers to meet directly – contributing to an expected 5% growth in Thailand’s furniture export value

     The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has jointly  collaborated with the Thai Furniture Industries Association (TFA) and the Thai Furniture Industry Club (TFIC) of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) to ensure that the upcoming Thailand International Furniture Fair 2015 or TIFF 2015 will be a great platform for business networking and negotiation where international potential buyers will meet directly with leading furniture makers from Thailand. TIFF 2015 is scheduled to take place on March 11^th-15^th, at Challenger 2-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, and the event is anticipated to generate over 360 Million Baht in sales.

     Mrs. Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, stated that, “Currently, Thailand’s furniture products can be divided into five major categories, based on their significance and export proportions, respectively. They are Wood Furniture (36%), Furniture Parts (30%), Other Furniture (18%), Metal Furniture (10%) and Mattresses & Pillows (6%). The country’s furniture export value as of January 2015 was estimated at 84.46 Million USD and Thailand’s total furniture export value this year is expected to reach 1,260 Million USD, or a 5% growth over last year. Key export markets include Japan (20%); the United States (18%); ASEAN (17%) – comprising important markets such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia; the European Union (13%) – including key markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands; and, BRICS comprising China, India and Brazil.”

     Mrs. Nuntawan, commented that, “TIFF is a long-standing trade fair which has been organized annually. This year’s event will be the 19^th TIFF event which is set to feature more than 200 top furniture companies in 800 booths – many of them operate furniture manufacturing plants of their own. Visitors will delight in a fascinating range of distinctively designed furniture items and innovations covering virtually all kinds of furniture. Organized under the concept of ‘ASEAN Smart Living’, TIFF 2015 aspires to present Thailand’s capabilities and preparedness to become ASEAN’s premier furniture producing hub which is ready to meet virtually all expectations from discerning consumers around the world.” 

     In addition to a wide kaleidoscope of beautifully designed furniture items and innovations on display, visitors to TIFF 2015 will also benefit from the following range of interesting exhibitions and activities created to inspire great design ideas: I+D Innovation Plus Design Style Café, Design Excellence Award 2014, Thailand Trust Mark, Design Plant, Young Designer Showcase, and, T-Living.

     “In addition, we cater to the demands of operators of small, individualistic projects and owners of boutique resorts, hotels, restaurants or condominiums who seek furniture items that may be ‘small’ in scale yet ‘gigantic’ in ideas. The ‘SOOK – Small Order OK’ program has been created to satisfy customers with such special needs. These customers often have needs for furniture with special designs and functions and their orders are usually in small quantities. But with the SOOK policy, this is never a problem. TIFF 2015 will be divided into two show stages – Trade Days on March 11^th–13^th, 2015 (10.00 – 18.00 hrs.) and Public Days on March 14^th – 15^th, 2015 (10.00–21.00 hrs.) The event is expected to generate more than 360 Million Baht in sales value.”, added Mrs. Nuntawan.