Furniture imports during July 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 £717.2m in July 2024, up 11.4% from £645.3m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered an uptick of 1.4% to £342.8m from £337.8m. Imports from Italy were up 9.4% to £82.3m, while Polish imports rose 15.8% to £62.8m. Imports from Germany were up 3.4% to £55.3m.

As for outside the EU, total imports rose 21.7% to a value of £374.3m from £307.4m. Chinese imports were up 34.9% to £270.9m, while Vietnam fell by 5% to £16.1m. Imports from Morocco increased 58% to £11.9m, while the USA declined 5% to £21.1m, as did Turkish imports, down 19% to £9.6m. Imports from Brazil rose 7.2% to £3.5m, while Indian imports increased 18.9% to £7.3m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country fell 0.6% to £175.4m from £176.5m year-on-year. In Europe, exports rose 1.7% to £84.1m from £82.7m. Exports to Italy were down 14% to £3.1m, while the Netherlands rose 14.3% to £10.1m. Exports to France rose 9.8% to £23.7m, while German exports decreased 7% to £10.2m. Irish exports were down 9.3% to £18.5m.

Outside the EU saw exports decrease 2.6% to £91.3m from £93.8m. Exports to China were down 54% to £2.1m, while UAE rose 3.6% to £7.2m. Exports to the USA fell 2.2% to £47m, while exports to India increased 58% to £2.2m.

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.