Aug 02, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Brazilian exports of furniture decreased 11.3% to $451.9 million in the first semester of the year, ITTO reported. The decline was due to reduction in orders from the two main importers, the USA and France, which accounted for 33% and 9% of the Brazilian exports, respectively. Furniture exports to the USA fell 26% in volume and value to $149.2 million while those to France dropped 19.4% to $41.5 million. However, a more drastic reduction was seen in Germany (Brazil’s fourth furniture market), which plunged 49.2% to $15 million. A main factor behind the decline of furniture exports is the continued appreciation of the real. According to a study, the minimum exchange rate for the furniture sector to operate should be at 2.50 real per US dollar as opposed to the current 2.17 real. Among the ten top export destinations, Argentina showed the best performance.