The Polish furniture industry in 2024

Despite its strong position on global markets, in 2024 the Polish furniture industry struggled with numerous difficulties  – a decline in exports, growing imports and fierce international competition. The “Polish Furniture Outlook 2025” report presents the current picture of the sector and its potential for 2025.

Production and export – hard data

According to the report prepared by OIGPM and B+R Studio:

• the value of furniture production sold in Poland in 2024 amounted to approximately PLN 64 billion, which means a decrease of 4-5 percent. year on year;
• Furniture exports fell by 6 percent., which is particularly acute given the export nature of the sector (more than 80% of production goes abroad);
• At the same time, furniture imports increased by more than 10 percent., reaching EUR 3.63 billion, which increased the competitive pressure on the internal market;
• The operating profitability of the sector fell to 5.2 percent., and employment decreased by more than 13 percent.

Directions  of Polish furniture exports

Despite this decline, Poland remains the 3rd largest furniture exporter in Europe and the 6th largest in the world, with an annual export value in 2024 of around EUR 16.2 billion.

Main markets

Among the countries to which furniture exports increased the most y/y, the following should be mentioned: the Czech Republic (+144%), China (+109%), the USA (+60%), the United Arab Emirates (+44%), Germany (+42%), France (+32%).

The most important groups of exported furniture

Bedroom furniture was the most important  (exports: EUR 1.1 billion; of which EUR 418 million went to Germany, followed by France, the USA, Great Britain and Switzerland). Office furniture came second  with exports worth €244 million, mainly to Germany (€74 million), France (€26 million) and Sweden (€23 million). Specialist furniture (medical, surgical, veterinary)  also plays a significant role – EUR 217 million, of which EUR 87 million went to Germany.

Competition and threats

Polish manufacturers are increasingly competing with suppliers from China, Vietnam and Turkey, who offer lower prices thanks to cheaper labour and lower regulatory costs, and who are conquering the EU market with dynamic exports of ready-made furniture and components.

In addition, the sector is struggling with:

• rising prices of wood and energy – Poland is one of the most expensive raw material markets in the EU,
• shortage of raw materials – e.g. the availability of hardwood has fallen in recent years in some regions by up to 30-40 percent,
• increased debt  – the value of arrears increased by 40 percent, and over 3,200  companies are listed in the KRD register,
• falling demand – among other reasons, due to, the stagnation in the residential real estate market in Europe.

Forecasts for 2025 – moderate optimism

Experts predict stabilization or a slight increase in exports and production in 2025. Recommendations for the industry include:

• diversification of sales markets – greater emphasis on the USA, Canada, India, Benelux and the Czech Republic,
• cost optimization – production automation and savings in logistics,
• investments in design and quality – strengthening its position in the premium segment,
• liquidity management – more effective securing of export receivables.

“Made in Poland” furniture still enjoys a good reputation abroad – it is perceived as solid, modern and well priced. Maintaining and strengthening such an opinion will be the key to maintaining a position in the TOP 3 European exporters.

Source: „Polskie Meble Outlook 2025. Raport o stanie i perspektywach polskiej branży meblarskiej”, wydany przez: Ogólnopolska Izba Gospodarcza Producentów Mebli (OIGPM) we współpracy z B+R Studio Analizy Rynku Meblarskiego – Tomasz Wiktorski, luty 2025 r.