The Cutting Edge — October 2003

Export Development

For the past few years, members have become increasingly interested in the shift of furniture production offshore, especially to China. We have been reporting on woodworking equipment trade trends with China and changes in the China marketplace for a number of years. We began reporting on the changes in China’s furniture shipments to the US four years ago. As this is an important topic, we will continue to periodically weigh in on the issue providing members with current information and insight. Members can view a summary of wood furniture imports for 1st six months, 2003, by type as well as by country by going to the WMMA website, members only section and clicking on Export Development, or Click Here (password required). For definitions of product categories, contact Harold Zassenhaus.

Imports increased by 14% for the first six months of the year as Americans purchased $5.7 billion of imported furniture over the period. The largest increases came from imported wooden bedroom (up 20%), wood framed upholstered (up 18%) and wood office furniture (up 15%).

Again, China led the market in terms of size ($2.2 billion, for a 37% market share). Of the top 10 suppliers it also had the largest % change year over year (32%). As a matter of fact, with the exception of Brazil, China was the only top 10 supplier nation whose market share increased. Malaysia managed to hang onto its market share of 4.2%. Canada, once the largest supplier nation to the US, now is in distant second with a 20% share of the market. There continues to be a number of nations whose exports to the US have increased dramatically. Those whose shipments are greater than $20 million for the six month period include:

Country	US Imports (Jan-June 2003) millions	Increase (yr. over yr.) %
Vietnam	69	221
India	22	56
Romania	26	39
Spain	26	26
Germany	32	17
Poland	32	14

Members interested in a further breakdown of the statistics by product grouping, specific product, country or region should contact Harold Zassenhaus, tel. 301 652 0693, fax 301 986 1389, email zemg@erols.com. For last month’s trend statistics, click here.