IN the handicrafts market, products made of bamboo and palm are selling faster than products made of rattan, according to the handicraft stores.

The products made from rattan are expensive, so the fair-priced products made from bamboo and palm are more popular.

“During this period, the products made from bamboo and palm are more popular than rattan products. There are many consumers for products such as easy chairs and desks. The price is low and reasonable, and the rattan is expensive in tens of thousands. Price is one reason. And it is not easy to make it. But sales are not bad as it has its own market. Palm products should be preserved as they are among the traditional handicrafts. Due to a recent shortage of labourers, the output has decreased,” said the owner of Thitsar Nwe rattan, bamboo and palm products shop in Htonbo on the ascent road to PyinOoLwin.

Rattan, bamboo and palm accessories include sunshades, bamboo rolls, rattan covers, various rattan stools, various bamboo baskets with slings, fine-textured mats, lamp covers, rattan canes of various sizes, wheat hats, cane hats, and different baskets.

“People usually buy small tissue boxes, flower baskets, and small pen holders to give as presents. Recently, we see more interest in rattan-made items. It is more expensive and has its own demand,” he said. — Thit Taw/ZN