Events

Dear Furniture Manufacturer,

SAFI Members are well aware that the economy is not showing signs of sustained meaningful growth, therefore apart from improving manufacturing efficiencies and/or cost cutting, the survival and sustainability of the industry will to a large extent need to come from import substitution and/or export growth, i.e. increased global competitiveness.

SAFI has appointed Trade Research Advisory (TRA) to carry out:

• A technical analysis of export opportunities with an explanatory interpretation for the relevant identified Harmonised System (HS) 6-digit tariff codes; and
• An industry engagement facilitation process, guided by TRA, to develop an export strategy for the industry.

As there are a number of sub-sectors in the furniture manufacturing industry, the Chamber Members of the various Chambers, each representing a sub-sector e.g. Bed & Mattress, Case Goods, Upholstery, Kitchen & Built-in Cupboards, School & Office have participated in initial Chamber specific meetings with Dr Martin Cameron of TRA. Dr Cameron gave an overview of the project scope, a high-level overview of the approach, the methodology to be used and the expected outcomes.

During these initial meetings, various participants requested that a presentation is made to the wider industry, including non-Chamber members, and that invitations are also extended to other people in their organisation e.g. procurement and logistics management. In response, Dr Cameron will make another presentation that will include a re-cap of the overview of the project and will expand on the HS tariff codes and the coding system used internationally and locally.

The online meeting is to be held:

Date:     Tuesday, 2 July 2024

Time:     From 10h00 to 11h30

“Please request the meeting link – safi.admin@furnituresa.org.za, should you be interested in attending the Export Strategy meeting.