Italian design brands are facing an uncertain American market due to looming tariffs, geopolitical instability, and fluctuating exchange rates. The Salone del Mobile President, Maria Porro, notes the US remains "a key market" despite concerns that new tariffs could impact competitiveness. According to FederlegnoArredo data, 2024 saw a 1.5% rise in exports to the US, following a 10.6% drop in 2023.
© Poltrona Frau
Poltrona Frau.
Leaders from B&B Italia, Boffi/De Padova, Molteni, Poltrona Frau, Poliform, and Scavolini stress that unpredictability is the real challenge. Many brands plan to absorb costs rather than pass them to customers, protect margins through operational efficiencies, and reinforce the strength of "Made in Italy" as a cultural asset. They highlight the importance of direct presence in the US and shared strategies to promote Italian design internationally.
Porro concludes that collaboration across companies, institutions, and territories is crucial to preserve Italy's role as "an industrial and cultural point of reference". Despite market shifts, Italian firms remain committed to local production, sustainability, and a design philosophy centred on quality, longevity, and human connection.
Source: www.internimagazine.it