DAMASCUS: Furniture workshops and manufacturers in the Damascus countryside are attempting to resume production and return to the local and foreign markets, despite the hurdles they face, including high production costs, limited access to raw materials, and competition from imported furniture.
The sector, traditionally based in cities like Saqba, Arbeen and Darayya, has also suffered from the loss of experienced artisans and company owners who left during the Syrian revolution owing to the actions of the former regime.
The manufacturers said the industry’s resurgence depended on greater access to production materials, modern manufacturing methods and better product quality to meet market demand. Qassem Al-Mazal, a furniture maker, said that securing raw materials is still a serious problem for workshops, especially medium density fibreboard, often used in bedroom sets and household furniture
He said there is also speculation and stockpiling in the market, where merchants buy big volumes of certain types of board and thicknesses but only release restricted amounts for sale. This strategy decreases availability and drives up prices, making it harder for firms to get the necessary ingredients they need for manufacturing.
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