Furniture Industry Research Association latest Statistics Digest

5 Jan 2015

Furniture Industry: Statistics Digest

With the UK’s economy on the up and an overall increase in consumer spending, there is a positive tone to this year’s Statistics Digest, contains facts and figures specific to the furniture and furnishings industry from 2010 – 2013.

Dr. Peter Beele, Technical Services Manager for FIRA International

Dr. Peter Beele, Technical Services Manager for FIRA International and author of the publication:

Increased retail sales of furniture and furnishings in 2013 were reflected in UK manufacturer turnover which rose to in excess of £7 billion, which is the first time this level has been reached since 2010.

Whilst exports also increased to £842 million, this improvement was negligible compared to the value attributed to imports (£4.4 billion), the consequence being a widening of the negative trade gap with the rest of the world.

Available free of charge to our members, I would recommend the Statistics Digests as an essential read for anyone operating in the furniture sector.

The Digest further segments the furniture and furnishings sector and notable improved manufacturing performances are evident in relation to beds and mattresses, kitchens and office and shop furniture.

Provisional figures for 2014 will be released by government in the latter half of 2015. Anecdotal evidence suggests that 2014 has also a good one for UK furniture manufacturers. Recently published trade data also hints at a continued improvement in export performance, but ever increasing imports continues to be a potential threat.

Link to more information about the Furniture Industry Research Association

FIRA International Ltd provides invaluable technical support to the entire furniture supply chain and funds projects for the benefit of the industry and is the furniture division of BM TRADA

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