In 2023, the export of the Portuguese furniture cluster increased by 11% to 2.2 billion euros. France remains the primary export market for the home sector. According to data released directly to ECO by the Portuguese Association of Furniture and Related Industries (APIMA), Portuguese furniture exports surpassed two billion euros in 2023, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year and reaching a historical high. Despite these positive results, the home sector expresses concerns about national and international economic instability, as reported by Eco Sapo.
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Gualter Morgado, Executive Director of APIMA, anticipates double-digit growth for 2023, with a projected total foreign sales value of around 2.2 billion euros, compared to 1.99 billion euros recorded in 2022.
At the top of the list of prime destinations for Portuguese furniture—a sector that includes industries such as furniture, bedding, home textiles, cutlery, ceramics, lighting, and upholstery—are France (32%), Spain (26%), and Germany (6%). Sales to the United States are gaining traction, representing 5.5% of the sector's exports in 2023. Morgado, the director, stated, 'It is impossible not to be concerned, but it is absolutely necessary to work hard to discover market niches, new market segments, and new products to overcome this phase.'