The Italian wood and furniture sector is proving resilient in a still complex international environment. After a 4.7% decline in exports in August alone, the first eight months of the year remained essentially stable: the total value reached €12.7 billion, a slight decrease of 0.2%. This is according to data from the FederlegnoArredo research center, based on Istat.

In the manufacturing sector, the furniture industry is returning to growth. Industrial production rose by 4.3% in October, continuing the positive trend seen between January and October (+4.1%). This turnaround follows two difficult years – 2023 and 2024 – which were marked by significant declines after demand had been exceptionally high in the first two years after the pandemic. 2025 is therefore likely to be a year of return to more normal levels, with the domestic market appearing to play a key role, thanks in part to the continued implementation of construction support measures.

The situation is different in the wood sector, where production remains essentially unchanged: the cumulative change for the first ten months of the year is -0.3%, reflecting uneven performance across the various segments.

Exports: Light and shadow on international markets

An analysis of the most important export markets reveals very different developments. Among the ten most important export markets, France recorded a decline of 2.4% to just under €2 billion, due to weak domestic demand. Germany (-0.4%) and Switzerland (-2.8% or €544 million) also suffered declines. The decline in China was particularly pronounced, falling 10.9% to €293 million, influenced by the slowdown in the real estate sector and international trade tensions.

Bucking this trend, the United Kingdom grew by 4.2% and Spain by 1%, while the Netherlands (+7.4%) and the United Arab Emirates (+4.7%) stood out, although the absolute values are still low.

The US remains the second-largest market in the industry, but recorded a decline of 1.7% to just under €1.4 billion in the first eight months. “This figure is the result of an accelerated increase in deliveries in the first months of the year, partly to preempt the effects of tariffs, followed by a slowdown in the summer,” explains Claudio Feltrin, President of FederlegnoArredo. “The goal is to end 2025 with a limited loss and confirm the overall strength of exports.”

New geographical areas on the rise

Morocco is one of the most dynamic markets, recording an increase of almost 50% to €109 million, driven primarily by investment in the construction and hospitality industries. Turkey (+23.3%), Portugal (+22.4%) and the Netherlands also performed well, while the UK remains the only country to show significant growth.

At the macro-geographical level, the European Union with its 27 member states – which accounts for the largest share of exports at €6.5 billion – recorded slight growth (+0.4%) despite the difficulties faced by France and Germany. Markets outside the EU grew by 2.2%, driven in particular by the United Kingdom and Canada, while Mexico suffered a significant decline.

The Middle East as a whole recorded a decline of 3.1%, while growth in Asia fell by 8.4% due to the economic slowdown in China. Africa, on the other hand, recorded double-digit growth (+15.4%), mainly attributable to Morocco and Libya.

The outlook

“For the coming year, we expect a stable first half and a potentially more dynamic second half,” Feltrin concluded. “In a still uncertain environment, the challenge will be to continue supporting companies in opening up new markets and strengthening their competitiveness, with a focus on quality, innovation, and research. The Salone del Mobile and the industry's international initiatives will play a strategic role in this.”
 
Source: montenapodaily.com