LAHORE
\nThe ongoing crisis in the Middle East is beginning to ripple through Pakistan\u2019s furniture industry, with the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) warning that disruptions in global supply chains and rising import costs could seriously impact production and exports.
\nPFC Director Shahbaz Aslam expressed concern that local manufacturers, already grappling with high operational expenses, may face additional challenges due to delayed shipments and higher transportation costs.
\nShahbaz Aslam pointed out that a large portion of raw materials and hardware used in furniture production\u2014including laminates, adhesives, and specialized fittings\u2014are imported from Gulf countries. \u201cAny disruption in maritime routes or a rise in freight charges directly affects our ability to maintain production schedules and meet client demands,\u201d he said. \u201cEven minor delays can snowball into larger operational setbacks for small and medium-sized enterprises.\u201d
\nThe director noted that Karachi Port and Port Qasim are critical gateways for materials sourced from the Middle East, making the sector particularly vulnerable to regional instability. Recent tensions, he added, have already caused freight costs to surge and shipping timelines to extend, increasing inventory costs and slowing down delivery commitments.
\nShahbaz Aslam urged the government to take immediate steps to mitigate risks, including exploring alternative supply routes, enhancing strategic reserves of essential raw materials, and providing support to manufacturers facing sudden cost escalations. \u201cTimely intervention is crucial. Without proactive measures, the furniture industry may experience production slowdowns, reduced export competitiveness, and price increases for consumers,\u201d he said.
\nHe further emphasized that the sector\u2019s contribution to exports could be at stake if disruptions continue. Furniture exports, which rely on both raw material imports and timely logistics, are sensitive to fluctuations in global supply chains. PFC officials warned that rising costs could push smaller manufacturers out of international markets, potentially affecting employment in the sector.
\nShahbaz Aslam also highlighted the importance of industry-government collaboration, urging authorities to monitor global developments closely and engage in diplomatic efforts to stabilize trade channels. \u201cThe Middle East situation is beyond our control, but with proper planning, we can shield the industry from worst-case scenarios and maintain production continuity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LAHORE The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is beginning to ripple through Pakistan\u2019s furniture industry, with the Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) warning that disruptions in global supply chains and rising import costs could seriously impact production and exports. PFC Director Shahbaz Aslam expressed concern that local manufacturers, already grappling with high operational expenses, may […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":535589,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-535579","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n