DEMAND for traditional wooden furniture is dropping in Ye Township, Mon State, according to furniture vendors. Wooden furniture, which is generally in high demand among newlyweds, is being replaced by steel and aluminium furniture.
“There was high demand even for wooden furniture with simple designs over the last 3 years. Now, the designs have been updated year by year, but the demand is cold,” said local furniture shop owners.
“Simple wooden furniture struggles to compete with the steel and aluminium alternatives. However, some newlyweds still buy wooden furniture. The complete set of furniture as a dowry costs K1 million (US$808),” said U Kyaw Swar Soe, a furniture salesman.
The finished product is highly priced because the raw materials are costly. Besides, there is a shortage of professional artisans, the salesman added.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
