Feb 13, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Cebu's furniture industry is now developing in Russia and other emerging markets, in addition to its biggest market, the United States, Asia Pulse reported. Lorenza Boquiren, chairperson of the Cebu Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (Cebu X) exhibitors' campaign committee, said the Cebu Furniture Industry Foundation Inc. (CFIF) will start to explore opportunities in the Russian market within the year. "Moscow is ready for the merchandise we make. Russia has very good purchasing power. We will target the upper, middle class market segment," Boquiren said. She said consumers in Russia are looking for furniture with contemporary and modern designs. CFIF executive director Ruby Salutan said they will be joining an international fair in Russia through its "Cebu X goes to Moscow" to create market awareness. Salutan said CFIF will also be joining another international fair in Paris. While joining international fairs in other countries require a major investment, she said it has helped increase market awareness among buyers. Another emerging market is China, according to Eric Ng Mendoza, chairman of the Cebu X organizing committee. Mendoza said the volume of exports to China is still low but the interest in Cebu-made furniture is growing. While China is also a competitor, Boquiren said, there is a need to look at China as a potential market. "We are viewing them as a market, with their booming economy and so much buying power," she added. However, Boquiren said the United States remains the largest market for Philippine furniture exports. "The biggest market is still the United States because it has the biggest buyers," she said. While Europe is a big market, she said, it is composed of countries with different buying preferences. About 68 per cent of furniture exports as of the third quarter last year were shipped to the US, based on the statistics prepared by the Bureau of Export and Trade Promotion of the Department of Trade and Industry. Other export markets are Japan, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Netherlands, with market share ranging from four per cent to one per cent. As of the third quarter of 2005, Cebu furniture exports reached US$102 million, which is about 40 per cent of the country's total furniture exports valued at US$259 million. On the other hand, the industry is expected to receive a boost with the holding of the Cebu X 2006 starting Feb. 26. Cebu X 2005 generated booked sales of US$27.4 million, up by four per cent over a year ago. This year's event will also feature the Design Hot Spot, which will allow companies to show their avant-garde and unique designs, according to CFIF consultant Sabine Schacknat. Cebu X 2006 will feature 109 exhibitors on over 10,000 square meters of space. The show has become a very popular event among furniture manufacturers that organizers have to find ways to accommodate all those who would like to participate. The Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF) is a primary industry support organization of furniture manufacturers and exporters in the Philippines. It acts as the voice of the country's furniture export industry and serves as its rationalizing body, guiding its developmental efforts and providing a venue for discussion and resolution of industry-related issues. Established in 1974, CFIF is envisioned as a support organization to Cebu's furniture industry, strengthening cooperation among members and responding to the needs of the industry's international markets.