Furniture imports during December 2024 increased on the same month last year while exports from the UK declined.

According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £644.3m in December 2024, up 12.2% from £574.1m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered a decline of 3% to £278.6m from £287.4m. Imports from Italy were down 3.2% to £56.1m, while Polish imports fell 13% to £60.2m. Imports from Germany were up 3.2% to £39.1m.

As for outside the EU, total imports rose 27.6% to a value of £365.7m from £286.6m. Chinese imports were up 36.2% to £273.9m, while Vietnam rose by 3.4% to £16.9m. Imports from USA saw an increase of 12.1% to £15.7m and Moroccan imports rose 49% to £8m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country fell 36% to £197m from £307.9m year-on-year. In Europe, exports fell 54.3% to £79.2m from £173.5m. Exports to France increased 21% to £24.7m, while Irish exports were down 87.2% to £14.9m. Exports to the Netherlands rose 7.6% to £6m.

Outside the EU saw exports decrease 12.4% to £117.7m from £134.4m. Exports to China were up 58% to £6.9m, while India rose 228% to £3.8m. Exports to the UAE rose 60% to £10.9m, while the USA increased 28% to £53.6m and exports to Japan plummeted 95% to £1.8m.

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.