Furniture imports during February 2024 decreased on the same month last year while exports from the UK showed small growth.

According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £662.2m in February 2024, down 1% from £668.9m against the same month the previous year.

Imports from the EU registered an increase of 5.7% to £334mm from £316m. Poland saw growth of 18.9% and represented £69.6m, while Italy also saw growth, up 2.6% to £63.9m, alongside Germany, up 0.8% to £52m. Danish imports also rose 9.5% to £12.9m, while Belgian imports were down 22% to £4.6m.

As for outside the EU, total imports fell 7% to a value of £328.1m from £352.9m. Chinese imports were down 10% to £225.1m, while Vietnam was also down by 18.9% to £16.6m. Imports from Morocco increased 33% to £10.3m, while the USA was up 23% to £19.6m.

Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country rose 1.1% to £197.2m from £195m year-on-year. In Europe, exports rose 21% to £103.7m from £85.6m, with exports to Ireland rising 73% to a value of £31.8m. Exports to Germany and France both saw increases of 6% to £15.7m and 13% to £28.4m respectively.

Outside the EU saw exports decline 14.5% to £93.4m from £109.4m. Exports to China were down 45.1% to £2.1m, while Saudia Arabia saw a drop of 93% to £2.2m. Exports to the UAE rose 45% to £10.2m, as did exports to the USA, rising 52% to £49.4m.

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.