Philippines' Christmas Decorations Manufacturers Anticipate More Than 20% Export Growth In 2011

Online, May 3, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Philippine manufacturers of Christmas decorations are confident about their competitiveness, projecting more than 20% export growth in 2011. Suppliers attribute this largely to the economic recovery of major markets, according to the Philippines Sourcing Reports: Christmas Decorations (http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/csr/philippines-christmas-decorations).

The Report offers in-depth profiles of 24 verified export manufacturers, supplier market analysis, price forecasts and 150 top-selling products, ranging from tabletop figurines and wall-mount decorations to Christmas trees and wreaths, plus full descriptions, prices and packaging details.

Featured products are made of one type or a combination of materials, including Manila hemp, capiz, sinamay, raffia, silk, satin, galvanized iron and resin.

The non-profit Kearny Alliance (http://www.kearnyalliance.org) produced the report with the support of Global Sources (NASDAQ: GSOL http://www.globalsources.com).

"The Philippines' handicraft industry enjoys several competitive advantages, among which are craftsmanship and the abundance of a variety of indigenous materials such as Manila hemp, raffia and sinamay," said Khiem Vu, program manager of the Kearny Alliance's Developing Country Export Assistance Program, which aims to assist SME manufacturers to increase their export sales.

"The result of using these eco-friendly materials is a highly-diverse range of products that are not readily available elsewhere."

Survey results show suppliers' R&D capability, current trends and target markets
"Christmas decorations makers in the Philippines offer new releases made of a mix of environment-friendly and recycled materials," Vu said. "To illustrate, some Christmas wreaths are made of natural leaves and pine cones, and recycled paper.

"Our survey shows that nearly 40 percent of featured suppliers will focus on incorporating new and more environment-friendly materials in upcoming products."

Other high-level results in the Report show:
* 50 percent of producers will increase export quotes;
* 86 percent of interviewed suppliers planning to increase quotes will keep them within 10 percent;
* 50 percent plan to target North America, and;
* Quotes range from about $0.15 for a simple Christmas tree ornament up to $250 for large and ornate Christmas trees and tabletop decorations.

Total capacity of the interviewed suppliers is 680 million pieces per month, of which exports account for nearly 80 percent. Makers employ more than 3,900 workers.

One of the export manufacturers featured in the Report, Loly Gomez of Philippine Treasures, said: "We've been producing ornaments such as tabletop decorations, frames, boxes, stained-glass wall hangings and Christmas trees made of delicate glass, wire, capiz and preserved leaves. Our company will focus on producing more unique products using environment-friendly materials."

More sourcing opportunities for global buyers, more jobs created
"Our Sourcing Reports are important components of the Kearny Alliances' Export Assistance Program," said Alexander Boome, Program director of the Kearny Alliance. "The aim of the program is to assist small and midsized export manufacturers in Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, India and the Philippines to tap new export markets. As a result, suppliers can create more jobs for more people.

"We can only succeed in our mission if we give buyers information on quality suppliers who understand their requirements. The suppliers we feature in Developing Country Sourcing Reports have rich export experience and are eager to work with new overseas buyers."

Sourcing Reports for Vietnam, India, Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia
The Philippines Sourcing Reports: Christmas Decorations is one of a series of Developing Country Sourcing Reports. Free previews and ordering information to purchase online for immediate download is available at http://www.chinasourcingreports.com/csr/philippines-christmas-decorations.

Other Sourcing Reports available online are:
VIETNAM:
* Basketware, Building Materials, Bamboo & Rattanware, Wooden & Bamboo Furniture, Kitchenware, Bags, Baby & Children's Toys & Garments, Footwear, Ceramic & Porcelain, Garments, Home Decor, Fashion Accessories, Lawn & Garden, Lacquerware and Indoor & Outdoor Furniture
INDIA:
* Ceramics, Craft & Promotional Gifts, Glass & Metal Tableware, Fashion Accessories and Garments
CAMBODIA:
* Fashion Bags; Silk Fashion Accessories
PHILIPPINES:
* Home & Garden Decor, Fashion Jewelry, Christmas Decorations and Indoor & Outdoor Furniture
INDONESIA:
* Rattan Furniture, Leather Products, Home Decor, Indoor & Outdoor Furniture and Footwear
SOUTHEAST ASIA:
* Indoor & Outdoor Furniture
The next Sourcing Report to be published is Cambodia Sourcing Reports: Fashion Bags and will be available to purchase online at http://www.kearnyalliance.org/sourcingreports.

About The Kearny Alliance
The Kearny Alliance (http://www.kearnyalliance.org), a US nonprofit 501 (c) (3) foundation, partners with other international organizations to further its mission of 'Aid through Trade', to advance international development and poverty alleviation through trade-related business, education, training and applied research.

Key programmatic areas include:
* Livelihood development at the grassroots level: Through the social enterprise Export Service Centre (http://www.ExportServiceCentre.com) in Indonesia and Cambodia, the Kearny Alliance assists small producers who do not have the capacity to export direct to participate in the global economy. It estimates that in 2009 it created more than 3,800 jobs.

* Job creation for small & medium producers: Through the Developing Country Export Assistance Program (http://kearnyalliance.org/sourcingreports), the Kearny Alliance connects smaller exporters in developing Asia with buyers worldwide. Surveys of beneficiaries show that suppliers have received $772,000 in export orders, and they expect more than $5,500,000 to develop in the next 12 months.

* Education & skills development: The Kearny Alliance offers stipend support for students from Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and mainland China to study in Hong Kong and the US. The dozens of Kearny Alliance Scholars receive internships and on-the-job training in export-related companies and organizations in 10 countries.

* Trade policy research: One major initiative is The Future of US China Trade .Com (http://www.futureofuschinatrade.com), an online center for data, analysis, and insightful discussion on U.S. - China trade offering Forum Discussions, News & Analysis, Facts & Figures, Discussion Outcomes, Book reviews and Meet the Experts. This was developed from The Kearny Alliance - Arizona State University forums on China, trade and the world economic order high-level series of interlinked meetings - held in Phoenix and Beijing which explored potential solutions to issues and challenges of mutual benefit to China-US trade relations.
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