Bangladeshi Furniture Exporters have great potential in the global furniture market especially in the USA due to their low-cost skilled workers and affordable solid wood resources. Their craftsmen are experienced in making high-quality furniture that meets international standards.
With locally sourced materials like FSC mango wood and low cost of production, Bangladeshi furniture exporters can offer great value for buyers in the USA and Europe. These markets are looking for durable, eco-friendly, and stylish furniture.
If the right policies and facilities, like duty-free raw material imports, are provided by the government of Bangladesh, they can compete with countries like India, China, and Vietnam, opening up more opportunities for growth and exports.
There are one or more critical challenges in exporting solid wood furniture from Bangladesh, particularly for markets like the US, where strict quality standards are mandatory. These challenges stem from the country’s climatic conditions and their impact on wood processing and storage. Here’s a breakdown of these challenges and suggested mitigation strategies:
Critical Challenges in Exporting Solid Wood Furniture
High Humidity and Moisture Content in Wood
- Bangladesh furniture exporters experience a tropical climate with high humidity, especially during the rainy season.
- Wood easily absorbs moisture, causing its moisture content to exceed the required 10% standard for the US market.
- Excess moisture can lead to warping, cracking, and dimensional instability in furniture.
Mold and Fungal Attacks
- High humidity and fluctuating temperatures create an ideal environment for mold and fungal growth on wood.
- This affects both the appearance and structural integrity of furniture, making it unsuitable for export.
Inconsistent Climate Control
- Without controlled conditions, wood can expand or contract unpredictably, leading to defects during manufacturing or after export.
- Jodhpur, India, benefits from a dry climate, making it easier to maintain stable wood moisture levels compared to Bangladesh.
Lack of Conditioning Facilities
- Without controlled conditions, wood can expand or contract unpredictably, leading to defects during manufacturing or after export.
- Jodhpur, India, benefits from a dry climate, making it easier to maintain stable wood moisture levels compared to Bangladesh.
Strategies to Mitigate Critical Challenges
Proper Kiln Drying Techniques
- Ensure all wood is kiln-dried to achieve the required 8%-10% moisture content.
- Monitor and test the wood regularly to confirm moisture levels before proceeding to manufacturing.
Controlled Wood Storage Areas
- Though you have used proper KILN drying techniques, the high EMC level during the rainy season could enhance the surface moisture again near to its EMC level. Hence, you need to implement climate-controlled storage facilities for wood.
- In this regard, use dehumidifiers and maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in the wood storage area to prevent moisture absorption.
Pre-Finishing Conditioning
- Establish conditioning facilities (introducing dehumidifier) near finishing areas to stabilize wood before final assembly and finishing.
- This minimizes the impact of environmental fluctuations during the final stages of production.
Protective Coatings and Treatments
- Apply anti-fungal and anti-mold coatings during the initial stages of processing or finishing.
- Seal the wood properly to prevent moisture reabsorption.
Moisture Monitoring Systems
- Install moisture meters throughout the production and storage processes.
- Regularly check and document the moisture content to ensure compliance with US standards.
Process Standardization
- Develop and follow strict SOPs for wood handling, drying, and storage.
- Train workers on the importance of maintaining moisture levels and proper wood handling techniques.
Export-Specific Facility Design
- Many manufacturers in Bangladesh lack knowledge and proper conditioning or drying facilities to maintain the desired 10% moisture content. Therefore, every manufacturer aiming to export to the USA market must adhere to export-specific facility designs.
- Wood stored in open or poorly ventilated areas tends to absorb ambient humidity, rendering drying efforts ineffective.
Conclusion
Though Bangladesh’s tropical climate brings challenges for the furniture industry, these can be solved easily. By investing in better wood storage, drying facilities, and climate control, manufacturers can meet the strict moisture and quality standards needed for exports to the US market. These steps will help Bangladeshi furniture exporters compete strongly in global markets, just like places such as Jodhpur, Jaipur, Muradabad of India.
Engr. Md Rubel Rana is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the furniture manufacturing industry. He specializes in solid wood furniture production for both domestic and export markets. Rubel has worked closely with renowned international buyers like Ashley Homestore, MEVA, and Hillsdale, delivering high-quality, export-ready products.
With expertise in manufacturing, technical processes, and industry best practices, he is passionate about optimizing production systems and ensuring global standards in furniture design and quality. Rubel’s experience includes setting up and managing export-oriented factories and guiding businesses to thrive in competitive markets.
Beyond manufacturing, he enjoys sharing his knowledge through writing and consulting, aiming to inspire innovation and growth in the furniture sector.
