This report covers the market developments in FY 2013, January-November 2014 and the data available as of December 2014.

The Polish furniture sector managed to cope with the difficulties related to shrinking external and domestic demand in 2013 and in January-November 2014 and remained among the leading EU producers and exporters.

The furniture output returned in the positive area in 2014, after having declined in 2013 in almost all categories, driven downwards by the producers’ downsizing capacities in order to adjust to lower external and domestic demand. In January-November 2014, statistical data reveal double-digit y/y growth of output for all categories.

The main growth driver for furniture production is external demand, since approximately 78% of output is exported. In 2013, furniture exports increased by 8.3% y/y to over €6.7bn and in 2014 the exports are forecasted to reach €7.3bn, according to market data.

Poland is currently the third largest furniture country at European level. The sector employs around 140,000 persons (ranking 1st in the EU by employment) in 14,421 companies.

Key points:
• Poland remains among leading European furniture producers, exporters
• Furniture exports expected to hit record level for second consecutive year in 2014
• Sold production value returns on upward path in 2013, accelerates growth in Jan-Nov 2014
• Furniture output volume increases at double-digit annual pace in Jan-Nov 2014
• Ikea’s sales in Poland increase 14% y/y in FY 2014
• Nowy Styl launches production facility in Jaslo, following €26mn investment
• Polinova Polska starts construction of furniture factory in Wagrowiec