The Polish furniture sector recorded stagnation in the first half of 2025, with production and export values showing minimal growth, while imports reached record levels. Total production value amounted to 28.1 billion PLN, down 1% from the same period in 2024.
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Volume trends varied by segment: wooden bedroom furniture rose 14%, and kitchen furniture increased 9%, whereas wooden living and dining room furniture fell 5%, and wooden seating dropped 8%. Second-quarter production showed similar patterns, with declines in living and dining furniture reaching 17% year-on-year.
Employment averaged 143,000, a 2% decrease from 2024, reflecting low demand, rising labour costs, and increasing automation. Average gross wages rose 9% to 6,623 PLN, driven by minimum wage increases and demographic pressures.
Exports between January and May 2025 were valued at €5.96 billion, a modest 1% rise, while imports surged 8% to €1.62 billion, reflecting strong domestic demand and currency effects. Consumer confidence remained weak, with households showing a growing tendency to save and reduce major purchases.
Housing construction trends also signal reduced demand for furniture: completions fell 4%, starts decreased 10%, and building permits declined 16% compared to H1 2024. Analysts warn that rising imports, slowing domestic consumption, and weaker construction activity create a challenging environment, urging manufacturers to explore new markets in Europe for growth.
Source: www.biznes.meble.pl
