Apr 30, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. Brazil exported $45.2 million of furniture to the U.S. in the 1Q 2008, down 27% in value compared to the same period in 2007, ITTO reported. Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to be the major destination market for Brazilian furniture, taking 21% of total exports. On the other hand, Brazilian exports of furniture to Argentina continued on a growing trend, with exports worth $21.3 million in the period, a 38% increase. The Netherlands imported the equivalent of $8 million, representing a 34% rise. Rio Grande do Sul exported $63.7 million of furniture in the 1Q 2008. Despite the small increase of 2%, it was below the average of total Brazilian furniture exports. Rio Grande do Sul furniture sector exports to the US were $3.9 million, a 47% slump. The United Kingdom, the main importer of the state's furniture exports (17% of total state exports), purchased $8.9 million from January to March 2008, 16% less than the same period last year. Furniture exports to Venezuela have increased drastically by 493% during the period and amounted to $3.9 million.