BRAZIL - Bento Gonçalves, one of Brazil’s main furniture manufacturer states, posted a 7,5% decrease in exports in 2013, totaling USD 58.3 million. This negative outcome is the result of decreased sales in the countries of South America and Africa that represent 80% of total exports.

The President of Sindmóveis Henry Tecchio, pointed out that the favorable exchange rate for exports was not enough to offset the competitiveness with other manufacturing hubs, the rise in imports of furniture and increased tax, logistics and manpower costs. "The numbers are unfavorable and the expected result did not occur, even with the heavy investment by entrepreneurs. This calls for a greater reduction in industrial manufacturing costs and, unfortunately, layoffs may be necessary", he added .

In South America, exports fell more significantly in three of the four Mercosur countries: Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as Colombia and Chile. In Africa, the main losses were in South Africa, Angola and Mozambique, in contrast to the growth in Namibia. Other countries that reported positive performance were Peru, Cuba, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico and Qatar.