European furniture - but made in Asia.

With the US construction boom has come a major up-tick in opportunities for different styles of furniture - and China is accommodating European styles, but at much lower prices, for American consumers.

The rising market has contributed to the success of retail giants such as Pottery Barn, Z Gallery, as well as smaller players such as West Elm.

Although much of the furniture may appear to be expensively made, labels printed with "Made in China" (or alternatively India, Malaysia or the Philippines) adorn the bottoms of an estimated 50% or more of the products.

With the ever-rising currency valuation of the Euro against the US dollar, this was the best idea US importers could think of to keep the trade active and their margins at acceptable levels.

The trouble is that importers are facing a bigger challenge as major retailers seek lower wholesale prices - and the thinnest margins are often the ones that make the deals.

"With the rising cost of the Euro, we can't stay competitive," says Emilio Mila of Mila International Corp, the Miami-based importer of mid to high quality glass and crystal decorations.

Although the company has imported for over 35 years in Europe, there could be new leads out of Hong Kong. Mila International attended the Hong Kong Gifts, Houseware & Toys fair in search of new leads, and plans to communicate with companies encountered.

Mila said that the quality of China-made goods have increased from when he encountered them earlier in his career, a welcome surprise and an incentive for exploring quality and competitive pricing in Asia.