Furniture Market Dynamics in Italy
According to data presented during the "Salone del Mobile" held in Milan in
April, the Italian wood and furniture sector turnover was worth Euro 39.018 million in
2001, a 2.4% growth over the previous year. Exports accounted for more than 30% of
turnover and were valued at Euro 12.816 million (3.3% growth on the previous year). Wood
and furniture consumption, which grew by 1.3% in year 2001, registered a value of Euro
31.478 million. Imports, which accounted for 16% of total consumption, registered a 1,9%
decline on the previous year, registering a value of Euro 5276 million.
The number of firms' operating in the wood and furniture industry totalled 87,546 in
2001, (a 0,7% decline on 2000). Employment in the sector stood at more than 400.000, with
a 1,1% increase on the previous year.
Furniture, which is a key sector of Italy's industry, reached a turnover of Euro 19.781
million (+2,8% with respect to year 2000), with exports registering a +4,2% increase and
reaching a value of more than Euro 9.000 million. Furniture exports were mainly directed
to US and Germany (16% in both cases) , followed by France and United Kingdom and
comprised mainly seating and upholstered furniture (both sectors exported about 68% of
their production).
Furniture and Joinery Association News
Italian exports of furniture to Singapore
According to Federlegno-Arredo, the Italian association of wood and furniture industry,
Singapore seems to be of growing strategic importance for the Italian furniture trade.
Even if exports to the country fell by 3,6% in the first nine month of 2001 (to the
disappointment of the many in the trade), Italy has been successful in recent years in
gaining an important share of this market. As a furniture supplier to the market, Italy
has captured the second ranked supplier for Singapore, after Malaysia, with 15% of overall
imported furniture.
News From Salone del Mobile - Milan
Milan was one huge, fascinating furniture showroom, both inside and outside the
fairground. During the recent Salone del Mobile, Complemento d'Arredo (Furniture and
Furnishing Accessories), Eimu (Office Environment Expo) and Eurocucina (the Kitchen Show).
The show saw the participation of more than 1400 exhibitors (of which 249 were from
foreign countries) and more than 170.000 visitors.
Innovation, technology and comfort seem to be the themes of the project culture.
Sophisticated, enchanting research into materials and a lively combination of materials
was the connecting element of this year's presentations. An extensive study of colours and
chromatic effects made this season's tastes even more elegant and surprising. Lines were
refined and sinuous. Woods were natural, blanched or dark, often colour lacquered. Natural
leather seems to be is back in fashion and rattan, glass, fibreglass, aluminium and steel
re-affirmed themselves. However, the guest star this year was plastic!.
Market and Company News
Tisettanta to open up market
Tisettanta of Italy, a manufacturer of luxury furniture, intends to establish a network
of branches in Germany and neighbouring countries via its first German branch office,
which was founded in Hanover.
Italians ready to enter Chinese market
The Italian furniture industry seems ready to invade the Chinese market. From the last
exhibition in Milan, the sensational news is that Italian furniture manufacturers have
found the new market, China (especially since there is talk of consumption growing at
about a 12-15% yearly for the next decade).
The entry of China into the WTO also 'encourages' foreign manufacturers since some of
the import taxes will soon reduce (from 22% to 10% and then to zero by 2006) and there
will be more attention paid to copyright and patent legislation.
Italian manufacturers plans to develop production and trade agreements with local
partners. Other reasons for a close look at China will be the 2008 Olympic Games in
Beijing, the 2010 Universal Exposition in Shanghai, which will boost the construction
sector (specially hotels) and the recent law allowing even more Chinese citizens to become
owners of their apartments. This new situation is expected to create a growth in interior
furnishings and decoration. |
