DESIGNPhilippines poised to reclaim world stage at US High Point Market

After more than three decades, the Philippines is staging a historic return to High Point Market, the undisputed global capital of furniture.

After more than three decades, the Philippines is staging a historic return to High Point Market, the undisputed global capital of furniture. This April 24–29 in North Carolina, the DESIGNPhilippines banner will lead a 14-strong delegation of elite manufacturers to reclaim their place at the center of the world's most influential design conversation.

“This milestone signals a strong revival of our furnishing industry, reinforcing the Philippines’ strength in bespoke furniture while honoring the exceptional artisanal skill that continues to set our designers apart worldwide,” notes Leah Pulido Ocampo, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director.

In an era of mass production, the Philippines is doubling down on its greatest competitive advantage: the human touch. Spanning 204 sqm of exhibition space, the Philippine pavilion at Interhall IHFC will feature a curated mix of heritage and contemporary innovation. The delegation is poised to captivate over 75,000 international designers and retailers by showcasing what seasoned trend forecaster Patti Carpenter identifies as the country's innate mastery of sustainable, upcycled materials—from salvaged river roots to intricate weavers’ remnants. 

The roster of craftsmanship includes artisanal titans such as South Sea Veneer, world-renowned for its intricate hand-inlaid marquetry, alongside a powerhouse lineup featuring A. Garcia, Aerostone, Fifty One All Weather, Filipino Creazione, and Mejore.

Joining these industry leaders are material innovators like Lija by That One Piece, whose award-winning lighting showcases the marriage of abaca and rattan with modern design. The premier showcase is completed by HMT, Larone, Nature's Legacy, Prizmic & Brill, TADECO Home, TN International, and Weavemanila.

Because the United States remains a top-tier priority market for Philippine home and lifestyle exports, the Department of Trade and Industry’s export arm is opening the DESIGNPhilippines pavilion a day early on April 24 for high-profile buyers. This strategic North American comeback serves as the perfect prelude to the country’s own flagship trade event, Manila FAME, scheduled for October 15–17, 2026, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

Learn more about the DESIGNPhilippines participation at https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/high-point-market-2026.