Upholstery imports in the UK have increased for the second consecutive month, primarily driven by demand from suppliers in the Far East. In August, the overall imports of sofas and sofabeds rose by 8.5% to £82.9 million, largely due to a significant boost from China. This was reported by the Furnishings Report.
Chinese exports to the UK surged, with August shipments reaching £41.9 million—an increase of 30% compared to the previous year. This rise followed a remarkable 40% year-on-year increase in July. Consequently, Chinese imports accounted for over half of the total sofa imports, as other key suppliers like Poland, Italy, and Romania saw declines in their UK exports.
Photo: Dreamstime.
This uptick in sofa imports has contributed to a year-to-date growth of 2.1% from January to August 2024, a notable recovery given that earlier in the year, import figures had been negative. The shift towards Chinese suppliers reflects a broader trend as UK buyers seek reliable sources amid fluctuating market conditions. Overall, the strong performance in the upholstery sector suggests a potential turnaround in the market as it navigates challenges in sourcing from other European nations.
Source: www.thefurnishingreport.com