Headlines
European Commission Proposes One-Year Delay on Deforestation Regulation
BELGIUM - The European Commission announced a proposed one-year delay for a law banning imports linked to deforestation (EUDR), responding to widespread concerns from industries and governments worldwide. While the law is seen as a crucial measure in the fight against...
Refopanel Unveils New Plywood Plant in Colombia
COLOMBIA - Refopanel has announced the opening of its new plywood manufacturing plant in Zambrano, Bolívar. The inauguration event took on September 27, 2024. As part of the Refocosta group, this new production facility will have an annual capacity of 27,500 cubic...
Arauco Invests USD 4.6 Billion in New Pulp Mill in Brazil
CHILE - With an investment of about USD 4.6 billion, Arauco's new pulp mill in Brazil will have an annual capacity of 3.5 million tons. Arauco has selected Finnish company Valmet as its technology partner. As a leader in pulp and bioenergy, Arauco is advancing the...
Strong Growth in Colombian Decor Paper imports
COLOMBIA - Colombia's imports of decor paper for wooden panels have seen a strong increase in the first half of 2024 (6M-2024), totaling USD 11,056,148, a 42.1% rise compared to USD 7,781,687 during the same period in 2023. Brazil remains the largest supplier country,...
Ingka Group Expands in China with New Ikea Store in Shanghai
CHINA - Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, has opened a new Ikea store and Livat meeting place in Shanghai's Changning District, enhancing its presence in China. This supports the company’s strategy to merge digital and physical shopping experiences. The Ikea...
Biesse Reaches 10,000 Machines Exported From India
ITALY - Biesse, a global leader in woodworking machinery, has achieved a remarkable milestone by exporting 10,000 machines manufactured in India to over 75 countries across six continents. This accomplishment underscores the company's dedication to the "Make in...
Interzum 2025 to Highlight Circular Economy and Biobased Solutions
GERMANY - The circular economy and biobased solutions will be the focus of interzum 2025, highlighting sustainable resource management in furniture production and interior design. From May 20 to 23, 2025, the leading international trade fair will showcase various...
Spanish Furniture Sector Sees Stable International Sales in 6M-2024
SPAIN - International sales in the Spanish furniture sector remain nearly unchanged in 6M-2024 from the same period last year, showing a slight increase of 0.9%, totaling EUR 1.54 billion. Meanwhile, Spanish furniture imports have risen by 3.4% during the first half...
European Associations Call for Delay in EUDR Implementation
BELGIUM - On September 25, 2024, 29 European associations, including the European Panel Federation (EPF), the European Confederation of Woodworking Industries (CEI-Bois), and the European Timber Trade Federation, released a joint statement urging a delay in the...
VDMA Lowers 2024 Woodworking Machinery Forecast
GERMANY – VDMA (German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association) Woodworking Machinery has retracted its forecast for 2024, expecting a 15% decline in production, down to EUR 3.6 billion in Germany. This follows a record EUR 4.2 billion in 2023. With 3,600...
Peruvian Particleboard / MDP Imports Decline in 7M-2024
PERU – In the first seven months of 2024 (7M-2024), Peru's imports of particleboard / MDP totaled approximately USD 78.89 million, marking a 12.6% decrease compared to USD 90.31 million during the same period in 2023. Key countries of origin included Ecuador, which...
Chile Records Strong Growth in Wooden Furniture Imports
CHILE - From January to June 2024, Chile's imports of wooden furniture reached a total of USD57.66 million, marking a significant 26.6% increase from USD 45.56 million during the same period in 2023. Brazil remains the main supplier country, with imports valued at USD...
Current
German Furniture Industry Sales Decline by Nearly 10% in 6M-2024
GERMANY - The German furniture industry saw a significant drop in sales in the first half of 2024, falling by 9.7 percent to EUR 8.3 billion. This decline is mainly due to consumer reluctance influenced by rising energy and food prices and political uncertainty. Jan...
Latin America’s Wooden Furniture Exports Dip 5.5% in 6M-2024
COLOMBIA - In the first half of 2024, Latin America's wooden furniture exports experienced a decline of 5.5% compared to the same period in 2023, totaling USD 759.3 million. This downturn reflects varied performances across the region, with some countries seeing...
Eco-Friendly Building Materials are Transforming Ecuador’s Construction Sector
ECUADOR - The construction industry is a major environmental contributor globally, accounting for about 39% of CO2 emissions, primarily due to material manufacturing like cement. However, the shift towards sustainable practices is gaining momentum. Daniel Sotalin,...
China’s Wooden Furniture Exports Surge 24% in 7M-2024
USA - According to Lesprom Analytics, China’s wood furniture exports saw a significant 24% increase in the first seven months of 2024, reaching 256 million pieces. This boost led to a 9% rise in export value, totaling USD 13.4 billion. Despite this growth, the average...
TF Bern Innovates Carpentry Training with Digital Solutions
SWITZERLAND - Technische Fachschule Bern (TF Bern), founded in 1888 in Switzerland, is renowned for blending technical training with real-world production. With 650 trainee spaces, TF Bern offers hands-on experience by creating custom furniture and interior fittings....
FSC and Aglomerados Cotopaxi Highlight Ecuador’s Leadership in Sustainable Forest Management
ECUADOR - Aglomerados Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador's leading forest products companies , recently hosted a significant discussion in partnership with FSC Ecuador to highlight the country’s pivotal role in sustainable forest management. Ecuador’s extensive forest coverage,...
Greenply-Samet Joint Venture Begins Furniture Hardware Production
INDIA - Greenply Industries and Samet have launched their joint venture, Greenply-Samet, marking a significant milestone in the Indian furniture hardware market. Officially named Greenply Samet Private Limited, this new venture began operations on October 26, 2023,...