German furniture exports to the United States rose by 3.7% to Euro 132 million in the first half of 2025, but 85% of exporting manufacturers expect losses due to the current 15% tariff, according to the Association of the German Furniture Industry. Additional concern stems from President Trump’s recent announcement that he plans to review sector-specific duties on imported furniture to support the U.S. domestic industry.
The tariff policy is also affecting the German market through redirected imports. As access to the U.S. becomes more restricted, Chinese manufacturers are pushing additional volumes into Germany. Furniture imports from China increased by 25% to Euro 1.7 billion in the first half of 2025, raising China’s share of German imports to 30%. Poland followed with a 28% share, supplying nearly Euro 1.6 billion worth of furniture, up 9% from the previous year. Imports from Italy rose by 27%, and from Vietnam by 21%. Overall, Germany’s total furniture imports climbed nearly 15% to Euro 5.6 billion. As a result, the import share of the German furniture market rose to 59.8%, up from 53.1% in 2024.
Industry revenue totaled Euro 7.9 billion in the first six months of 2025, down 5.1% from the same period last year. Domestic sales declined by 6.2% to Euro 5.2 billion. Foreign sales dropped by 2.9% to Euro 2.7 billion. The export share of total revenue rose to 34.1%, compared to 33.4% in the prior year.
German furniture companies cite a weak consumer climate and declining residential construction as key challenges for domestic sales. Although government initiatives aim to streamline housing permits, the industry argues that funding programs and equity-replacing measures remain insufficient to stimulate demand.
Regulatory pressure is also growing. The industry criticizes the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires proof of deforestation-free supply chains. Companies report six-digit implementation costs, high ongoing expenses, and the need for additional personnel to meet the regulation’s documentation requirements.
France remained the top export market for German furniture but saw a 3% decline in the first half of 2025. Deliveries to Austria fell by 4.2%, the UK by 5%, and the Netherlands by 0.7%. In contrast, exports to Switzerland increased by 1.1%, to Italy by 1.6%, and to Spain by 6.1%. Exports to China declined sharply by 42%, due to intensified domestic competition from Chinese manufacturers, who are focusing more on their local market following U.S. import restrictions.
In product categories, the kitchen furniture segment was the most stable, with revenue falling only 2% to just under Euro 2.9 billion. Sales of other furniture types, including living, dining, and bedroom furniture, dropped by 5.3% to Euro 2.4 billion. Upholstered furniture sales declined by 8% to Euro 467 million. The mattress segment recorded the steepest fall, down 18.8% to Euro 217 million.
Among investment goods, the office furniture segment declined by 14.5% to Euro 940 million, while shopfitting and other contract furniture increased by 2.1% to nearly Euro 975 million.
For the full year 2025, the industry expects a revenue decline of around 3%, after a 7.8% drop in 2024 when total sales reached Euro 16.3 billion. The sector comprises 400 companies with 50 or more employees and employs approximately 69,000 people.
