SPAIN – Spanish furniture exports saw a 2.3% increase in 2024, reaching over EUR 3.1 billion. France remains the top destination, accounting for 26% of exports, though it saw a 2.8% decline. Portugal (+4.6%), Germany (+0.4%), Italy (+10.7%), and the Netherlands (+9%)...
GERMANY – The German furniture industry experienced a significant downturn in 2024, with total turnover dropping 7.4% to EUR 16.4 billion, according to official figures. Domestic sales fell 6.8% to just under EUR 11 billion, while exports (33% of total sales)...
ITALY – Italy’s wood processing and furniture technology sector faced significant challenges in 2024, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the lasting effects of the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, the sector struggled with the aftermath of unusually high...
ECUADOR – Ecuador's particleboard (MDP) exports totaled USD 201.24 million in 2024, marking a slight increase of 1.5% compared to USD 198.26 million in 2023. The largest export markets for Ecuadorian particleboard remained Colombia, with exports rising 1.1% to USD...
ARGENTINA – Fitecma 2025, the main Argentinian trade show for the wood and furniture industry, has reached a record by selling out its entire exhibition space five months ahead of the event, a milestone that hasn't occurred in the past 10 editions. "In January,...
GERMANY – After a record woodworking machinery production of EUR 4.2 billion in 2023, the VDMA (Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) has revised its 2024 forecast, predicting a 15% decrease, bringing production to EUR 3.6 billion. This marks a downward...
SWEDEN – Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group—the world’s largest Ikea retailer—has committed EUR 2 million to Swedish innovation company Green14, aiming to support more sustainable silicon production and secure critical raw materials for a renewable...
PORTUGAL – Sonae Arauco’s Agepan brand has entered a strategic partnership with Gutex, a leading manufacturer of ecological wood fiber insulation materials based in Germany, to enhance its construction solutions portfolio. Under this collaboration, Gutex will produce...
GERMANY – The Häfele Group, one of the main global furniture hardware suppliers, recorded sales of EUR 1.74 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, marking a 1.5% increase, or 2.7% when adjusted for currency effects. Foreign sales accounted for 82% of total revenue....
USA – The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has highlighted that the ongoing shortage and significant rise in building material costs, from softwood lumber to distribution transformers, are driving up home construction expenses and harming housing...
ITALY – Paolo Tirelli, a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience at Catas, has been appointed the new managing director of the leading European testing laboratory for the wood and furniture industry. Tirelli, who previously headed the Mechanical Testing...
BRAZIL - In 2024, Brazil’s particleboard exports totaled USD 113.38 million, representing a 40.4% increase compared to USD 80.74 million in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by strong performances in key markets such as China and Colombia. China led the way with...
