Furniture imports during May 2024 decreased on the same month last year while exports from the UK showed another month of growth.

According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £719.2m in May 2024, down 5.49% from £761m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered a decline of 14.4% to £314.3m from £367.6m. Imports from Italy were down 23.9% to £64.4m, while Polish imports rose 1.6% to £63.6m. Imports from Germany were down 22.3% to £45.9m.

As for outside the EU, total imports rose 2.9% to a value of £404.9m from £393.4m. Chinese imports were up 7.9% to £289.4m, while Vietnam fell by 7% to £21.6m. Imports from Morocco increased 21% to £11.7m, while the USA declined 13.8% to £20.3m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country rose 15.19% to £200.1m from £173.7m year-on-year. In Europe, exports rose 11% to £97.8m from £88.1m, with exports to France rising 23% to a value of £27.7m. Exports to Germany saw an increase of 44% to £20.2m, while Irish exports were down 8% to £19.1m.

Outside the EU saw exports increase 19.4% to £102.3m from £85.6m. Exports to China were down 68% to £1.7m, while UAE fell 15% to £7.6m. Exports to the USA rose 49% to £58.6m.

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.