Furniture imports during January 2024 decreased on the same month last year while exports from the UK were up.

According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £616m in January 2024, down 2.9% from £634.4m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered a decrease of 1.1% to £291.4m from £294.9m, with most countries reporting a decline. The highest growth rate was Czechia, up 63.2% to a value of £9.1m, while Italy also saw growth, up 1.5% to £49.9m, alongside Poland, up 5.2% to £64.3m. German imports declined 7.1% to £43.3m, as did French imports, down 13% to £25.2m.

As for outside the EU, total imports fell 4.3% to a value of £324.6m from £339.5m. Chinese imports were down 5.5% to £220.4m, while Vietnam was also down by 25% to £14.4m. Imports from Turkey fell 14% to £11.4m, while increases came from the USA, up 0.4% to £18.8m, Morocco, up 29% to £10.3m and from North Macedonia, up 42% to £2.3m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country rose 6.9% to £178.6m from £167.1m year-on-year. In Europe, exports rose 2.9% to £86.2m from £83.7m, with exports to Ireland rising 48% to a value of £27.2m. Exports to Germany and France both saw declines of 17% to £10.9m and 9% to £22.7m respectively.

Outside the EU saw exports grow 10.8% to £92.3m from £83.3m. Exports to China were down 72% to £1.5m, with Australia rising 32% to £2.4m. India saw a significant uptick by 387%, valuing £4.4m, while exports to the USA rose 52% to £52.6m. Exports to UAE declined 30% to £6.1m.

Full list of imports and exports by country and value

For the monthly data and all other annual changes across four main sectors of the market – including upholstery, mattresses, cabinet and carpets, download the full report below.