Schrijf je in voor onze dagelijkse nieuwsbrief om al het laatste nieuws direct per e-mail te ontvangen!

Inschrijven Ik ben al ingeschreven

Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

Surge in Chinese furniture imports raises alarm in Austrian industry

Chinese furniture imports to Austria surged by 44% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with the trend showing no sign of slowing. While low prices drive this growth, concerns are rising over the conditions behind these products.

© Ilfede | Dreamstime

A recent FAZ report, referencing insider accounts, highlights troubling labour practices in Chinese manufacturing, including furniture production. Workers reportedly face "50–80 hours of work per week", earn around "€550 net per month", and endure frequent breaches of labour and social standards.

Such conditions are compounded by state support. Chinese manufacturers often receive government subsidies for factory infrastructure, equipment, and freight, creating what the Austrian furniture industry calls a "massive distortion of competition". This primarily impacts the low-cost segment of the market.

In contrast, Austria's furniture sector prioritises "quality and craftsmanship", offering durable products backed by repair services and "fair working conditions" for employees and partners. The industry calls for consumers to make "conscious decisions" and consider the broader implications of their purchases.

As competition intensifies, Austria's commitment to sustainability, responsibility, and innovation remains central to its strategy in an increasingly uneven global market.

Source: LinkedIn.