The domestic furniture market increased by almost 30% in the first half of this year, to 566 million euros, compared with 448 million euros for the same period in 2006. Total furniture production reached 895 million euros in the first six months of the year, up a mere 10% against 2006, while exports increased to 525 million euros. The imports segment also experienced a sustained growth rate, and registered an increase of almost 20%, to 150 million euros, halfway through the year, according to data supplied by the Romanian Furniture Manufacturers Association (APMR). Furniture manufacturers were also strongly affected by the exchange rate's progression during this period, which caused many firms to step into the red and exit foreign markets. "We are also facing serious difficulties this year, as a result of the exchange rate dropping by around 8%. The exporters' profit margin stands at around 7%, which is insufficient to cover such a decline (...), said Aurel Rizea, executive chairman of APMR.
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