Exports from Italy’s wood-furniture industry closed the first quarter of 2025 with a slight overall decline of 0.4% compared to the same period in 2024, confirming a general trend of stagnation. The month-on-month comparison between March 2025 and March 2024 shows a marginal increase of 0.1%. The total export value amounted to €4.7 billion.
The EU27 area remains the main export destination, with €2.5 billion in sales and a minimal drop of 0.2%. Non-EU exports, on the other hand, grew by 1.7%, reaching €690 million—highlighting a more dynamic performance outside Europe.
Within the sector, the furniture macro-system posted a 1.1% contraction (€3.4 billion), with notable slowdowns in kitchens (-8.3%) and office furniture (-9.8%). In contrast, the wood macro-system registered a 1.6% growth (€1.25 billion), largely thanks to strong demand for decorative and building-related wood products (+9.7%).
Among non-EU markets, the United States returned to growth with a +3% increase in the January–March period, rebounding from a -0.1% drop in the first two months of the year. The rise may reflect attempts to anticipate new tariffs announced by Donald Trump, who just signed an executive order extending their effective date from July 9 to August 1.
The UK and the United Arab Emirates also confirmed strong early-year performance. Within the EU, Spain and Portugal showed the most positive growth trends.
On the import side, China posted a significant increase, with +25% year-on-year in March alone and +38.2% for the entire quarter—raising concerns about the growing presence of Chinese products on the Italian market. April 2025 Istat data, however, shows a 3.5% drop in furniture imports, a potential sign of correction.
According to the FederlegnoArredo Study Center, based on Istat data, the sector remains cautious in the face of ongoing global uncertainty—particularly regarding US trade policy. “As has been the case for nearly a year now, forecasting even the near future is extremely difficult,” commented Claudio Feltrin, president of FederlegnoArredo. “While we await clarity on Trump’s intentions, major importers of our products continue to show negative trends.”
France and Germany, both in the top ten markets, posted declines of -4.2% and -2.6% respectively. In contrast, the UK and Spain grew by +3.3% and +7.4%, while the UAE posted the highest percentage growth: +11.1%, for a total export value of €108 million.
Another warning sign comes from the surge in Chinese imports, although April’s decline in furniture imports may offer a glimmer of optimism. Business confidence remains fragile: in May, the balance of order expectations fell to -24.1%, down from -20.2% in April. Still, 61.7% of companies report “normal” order levels, in line with expectations—a figure supported by a +5.4% increase in furniture production between January and April 2025.
Looking at the five countries with the strongest absolute growth in Q1 2025, alongside Spain, the US, and the UAE, are Morocco (+55.6%, now the 26th largest destination) and Portugal (+25%, 21st destination). On the negative side, France and Germany lost €35.5 million and €13.5 million respectively. China (12th destination) dropped by 16.4%, and Saudi Arabia (16th) by 13.5%.
