Europe's furniture sector has entered 2026 under growing strain, as weakening export performance in key markets signals a more challenging trading environment.
In Italy, data from FederlegnoArredo shows exports fell sharply by 13.1% year-on-year in January, marking a difficult start to the year. The decline follows a relatively stable 2025, when the sector generated €27.7 billion in revenue, with exports accounting for more than half of total turnover.
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The downturn has been driven by falling demand across major markets. The United States recorded the steepest drop at -28.5%, impacted by tariffs and currency movements. European markets also weakened, with France down 6.1% and Germany falling 18.4%, contributing to an overall EU decline of 9%. Other destinations, including China (-46.6%), India (-41.2%) and the UK (-6.7%), also posted significant contractions.
A similar pattern is emerging in Denmark, where exports have stagnated at around DKK 20 billion, with little growth over the past two years. Industry representatives highlight political uncertainty and US tariffs as key factors weighing on performance, particularly in the American market, which has seen the most pronounced decline for Danish manufacturers.
Geopolitical tensions, including developments linked to Iran, are further compounding uncertainty, raising concerns over trade routes, energy costs and future demand.
Despite these pressures, some resilience remains. Italian industrial production has held steady, and strong international participation at the Salone del Mobile underscores continued global interest in European design. However, the outlook remains cautious as the sector navigates a volatile global landscape.
Sources: Wood Supply ; ilsole24ore
