The furniture sector in Castellón is navigating a challenging year, compensating for declining sales in traditional markets by growing strongly in emerging destinations. According to ANIEME's analysis of exports from January to September 2025, Castellón's furniture exports fell by 16.4%, reaching €66.8 million, a sharp contrast with Alicante (+7.2%) and Valencia (-1.2%). This decline is largely driven by weak demand in Europe, where the construction slowdown, cost pressures, and inflation continue to weigh on the market and by instability in the United States, where unpredictable trade measures under President Donald Trump have created volatility despite EU products facing a general tariff of 15%.
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Around 70% of Castellón's top 10 international markets reduced their imports. France imported €13.5 million worth of goods (-15.4%), while the US dropped dramatically by 37.4%, shrinking from 20% to 15% of Castellón's total export share. Italy also fell by 22.2%, Portugal by 1.2%, and the UK continued its post-Brexit decline (-21%).
In contrast, third markets show strong double-digit growth, highlighting opportunities tied to major construction and development projects. Morocco's imports rose by 72.5%, Israel by 80.7%, and the Dominican Republic tripled its demand. Smaller but fast-growing destinations include Sint Maarten, Malta, Iraq, Sweden, and Nigeria, all posting exceptional increases. However, Saudi Arabia registered a severe decline of more than 50%.
To strengthen the industry's presence abroad, Ivace+i Internacional and ANIEME recently held a highly successful business forum in Morocco, targeting the contract channel. Nearly 150 Moroccan architects and designers attended, underlining the market's potential, especially with upcoming development programmes and the country's preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
Source: Castellon Al Dia
