After falling by 2.2% last year, the first quarter in 2017 saw a growth of 12.7% in exports by the furniture industry based in Bento Gonçalves when compared to the same period of last year, according to data provided by the Foreign Trade Department of MDIC. This performance was better than the state’s (3.9%) and Brazil’s (6%), especially in the following markets: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Panama, the United States, Angola, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, India, Guatemala and United Arab Emirates.

Sindmóveis’ Director of International Affairs, Leonardo Dartora, points out that although the results are preliminary, they indicate a beginning of recovery in important markets, such as in Latin America. Sindmóveis works to boost the competitiveness of companies developing international promotion actions and market studies through its International Committee. "The association is happy with the data, but there is a long way to go before we reach 2010 and 2011 figures, approximately US$ 60 million a year, and the financial pre-crisis in 2008/2009, when the furniture industry exported more than US$ 80 million annually", says the director.