Furniture imports during August 2024 decreased on the same month last year while exports from the UK rose.

According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £616.2m in August 2024, down 2.6% from £632.6m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered a decline of 14.5% to £274.3m from £321.2m. Imports from Italy were down 25% to £51.3m, while Polish imports fell 6.4% to £60m. Imports from Germany were down 13.8% to £43.8m.

As for outside the EU, total imports rose 9.7% to a value of £341.9m from £311.4m. Chinese imports were up 16% to £243.5m, while Vietnam rose by 23% to £18.6m. Imports from the USA increased 7.3% to £21.4m, while Turkish imports declined 33% to £8.5m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country rose 11% to £186.4m from £167.9m year-on-year. In Europe, exports rose 6.3% to £89.2m from £83.9m. Exports to the Netherlands rose 33% to £11.1m, while exports to France increased 15% to £26.9m and German exports decreased 9% to £12.9m. Irish exports were down 4.4% to £17.9m.

Outside the EU saw exports increase 15.7% to £97.2m from £84m. Exports to China were up 70% to £4.7m, while the Philippines saw growth of 386% to £3.5m. Exports to the UAE rose 55% to £8.1m, while the USA increased 19% to £48.4m.

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.