We’re working on a report for our readers, on dining room sets. Just plain basic wood tables and chairs. I’ve been shocked and interested to see if others have found similar results…

Our quotes coming back from Malaysia are almost 50% LOWER than prices coming back from China! We though this was an abnormality, but our Malaysian prices come from two companies who are already exporting to major wholesalers in the states.

So, we’re still searching China, we’ve been calling around all over the country, figuring that the prices in Ningbo, or Fuzhou should be more reasonable, but so far, the prices have been similar. My last real furniture project was over 3 years ago, and the prices that we were quoted back then FOB Xiamen, were very similar to the prices we’re getting from Malaysia today…

Also, from the prices I saw in Indonesia, I’m feeling that China may climbing up the price ladder… I still think that China is competitive, but I find it interesting that Vietnam and Malaysia direct furniture is selling so cheaply…

I’m also getting convinced that smaller buyers may find pricing outside China to be lower… I would love feedback on this subject, I’ll be looking more during the Canton Fair, too…

Please note, that in Upholstered Furniture, and possibly some other categories, China still seems to be the most affordable…