The European Union's market for wooden office furniture is on a steady growth trajectory, expected to reach 141 million units and $13.1 billion in value by 2035, according to a new report from IndexBox. This rise is driven by a consistent demand for workplace furnishings across the region, as highlighted in the publication EU – Wooden Furniture Of A Kind Used In Offices – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
© Luboslav Ivanko | Dreamstime
The report projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +1.0% in volume and +1.8% in value between 2024 and 2035, underscoring resilience in the segment. 'Driven by increasing demand for wooden furniture of a kind used in offices in the European Union, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade,' the report notes.
Recovery and outlook
In 2024, consumption rebounded for the first time since 2021, reaching 127 million units, and marking the end of a two-year downturn. 'The total consumption indicated noticeable growth from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.4% over the last eleven years,' the study shows. In value terms, the market rose to $10.8 billion, up 9.9% year-on-year.
Leading markets and per capita leaders
Germany, Italy and Portugal emerged as the largest markets, jointly accounting for 63% of total consumption. Notably, Portugal has shown remarkable acceleration, with a CAGR of +40.1% in volume and +36.6% in value since 2013.
Portugal also leads in per capita consumption with 2,114 units per 1,000 persons, far surpassing the EU average of 285 units. Denmark, Finland and Ireland also register high per capita consumption rates, though growth patterns vary.
Production back on track
Production rose to 130 million units in 2024, reversing a two-year decline. 'The total production indicated a pronounced expansion from 2013 to 2024: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1%,' with Germany, Italy and Portugal again leading in output.
In terms of value, production stood at $11.3 billion in 2024, with Portugal showing the fastest growth among top producers.
Trade patterns: imports down, exports falling
EU imports of wooden office furniture fell by 13.4% in 2024 to 12 million units, marking the third consecutive annual decline. Imports in value terms also dropped sharply to $859 million. Germany, France, and the Netherlands dominated import volumes and values, while Greece experienced the highest growth rates.
Export figures mirrored this trend, with volumes falling 20% to 14 million units. In value, exports declined to $1.3 billion. Poland, Italy, and Lithuania led the bloc's exports. Greece posted standout growth, with a CAGR of +49.0% in volume and +38.8% in value.
The average export price remained stable at $92 per unit, while import prices declined to $71 per unit, reflecting downward pressure on margins.
More information:
IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
www.indexbox.io