In 2025, Brazilian furniture and mattress exports totaled USD 769.3 million, a modest increase of 0.8% from 2024, falling short of the projected 2.5% growth. Early in the year, exports showed stronger momentum, rising 2.1% through October and 1.5% by November, but growth slowed toward year-end due to structural pressures, global trade shifts, and anticipated U.S. tariffs. The U.S. remains Brazil's primary market, yet its share dropped to 23.5%, affecting companies that rely heavily on American sales, sometimes accounting for 30% to 100% of their revenue. Tariffs of up to 50% disrupted trade, causing contract interruptions, production delays, layoffs, and rising inventories.
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A temporary reprieve comes as the U.S. postponed increases on certain wood products, including upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities, until January 2027, keeping rates between 10% and 25% for most categories. While this reduces immediate risk, the possibility of future tariff hikes remains tied to the Supreme Court ruling and ongoing negotiations.
To mitigate dependency on the U.S., Brazilian exporters are exploring other markets in South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The Mercosur–European Union Agreement, signed in January 2026, offers strategic potential to expand access to Europe, which accounted for 9.3% of exports in 2025. Preliminary studies indicate the agreement could boost exports by up to 20% in its first year, though legal reviews by the European Court of Justice may delay implementation by up to two years. Abimóvel stresses that market diversification, stronger industrial competitiveness, and coordinated trade policies remain essential for sustainable international growth.
This evolving landscape underscores the importance of balancing immediate tariff relief with long-term strategies to strengthen Brazil's global furniture presence.
Source: www.datamarnews.com
