The Belgian furniture industry experienced a 7% decline in sales in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of contraction, according to Fedustria, the national association for the textile, wood, and furniture industries. Total annual sales dropped below €2 billion, with every quarter underperforming compared to the same period in 2023.
All product segments were affected. Office and retail furniture sales fell by 10.9%, mattresses and slatted frames by 12.4%, kitchen furniture by 6.5%, and home furniture by 4.1%. Fedustria attributed the downturn to weak overall demand and a struggling construction sector.
Exports of Belgian furniture also declined by 1.5% in 2024. Within the EU, which accounts for 88% of exports, sales to France, Belgium's largest export market, dropped 8.7%, and exports to the Netherlands declined by 11.6%. However, exports to Germany rose significantly by around 30%, making it the second-largest market. Non-EU markets performed better, with exports to the USA increasing by 15.2% and to the UK by 12%.
On the import side, Belgium saw a 3.4% increase in furniture imports. China remained the top supplier with a 30.8% share and recorded a 21.2% rise after two years of declines. In contrast, imports from the Netherlands and Germany fell by 11.6% and 7.5% respectively, while Polish imports dipped slightly by 1%.
Leadership at Fedustria has also changed, with Frank Veranneman appointed as the new chairman, succeeding Jan Desmet. Fedustria Managing Director Karla Basselier praised Desmet's leadership, stating 'Frank has big shoes to fill, but he will do well.'
Source: www.moebelmarkt.de