Aug 15, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Brazilian furniture exports were $66 million in May 2013, representing a 4.5% increase over the same month in 2012. On the other hand, the country's furniture imports were $62.1 million, representing a 6.5% decrease during the same month in 2012, ITTO reports.

Furniture exports in May from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the major furniture producing state, registered a high of $19.6 million (+21%) whereas state furniture imports totaled $4.1 million, a 69% increase year on year.

Of particular significance was the import of furniture making equipment that registered growth of over 20% between January and June 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

São Paulo state continues to be the main consumer of imported furniture and imports grew almost 60% in value during May 2013 compared to a year ago. The states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul together accounted for around 25% of Brazil’s furniture imports.