Kiev International Furniture Forum
14 – 17 March 2012
Kiev Expo Plaza Fairground
Kiev, Ukraine


MARKED INCREASE IN WORLDWIDE DEMAND FOR FURNITURE - GERMAN FURNITURE INDUSTRY HOLDS ITS GROUND

The demand for furniture has never been as high as it is today in so many countries around the world. The growth rates for the furniture industry are gaining additional momentum, driven by the dynamic growth on the "emerging markets". Worldwide production values for furniture amounted to roughly 376 bn. USD in 2011. The seven largest furniture makers are the USA, Italy, Germany, Japan, the UK, Canada and France. They currently produce around half of all furniture. All industrial countries taken together produce roughly 65 percent of the world's furniture. The remaining 35 percent are distributed between emerging and developing nations. Poland and China lead this group, followed by India. Furniture from these countries in particular is primarily intended for export.

Within Europe, Germany represents the most important furniture market. In 2011 the industry posted revenues of 18.9 bn euros, with 6 percent revenue growth year-on-year. The German furniture industry employed roughly 105,000 employees in over 1,000 firms in 2011.

The increasing international success of the German furniture industry can be seen in export rates climbing to roughly 28 percent. This represents a doubling of the export rate within the last ten years. The good export performance can be traced back in particular to the development boom in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where the highest growth rates are currently being achieved. The most important export market for the German furniture industry remains however European Union, with a 70% share in the overall export volume, followed by Eastern Europe at 16%, Asia at 8% and North America at 3%. Furniture exports climbed by 11 percent in the year 2011.

German furniture benefited from its premiere quality and good design in foreign markets. Furniture "Made in Germany" will remain an admission ticket for many new markets in the future as well. By opening up addition markets beyond the neighbouring states, German furniture makers have succeeded in making itself more independent from the economic cycles in Europe.

This year the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) as well as the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) are once again supporting a German group participation, giving 13 companies the possibility to present their excellent products and to offer their renowned services to key players and decision makers.

On behalf of all exhibitors, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi), the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) and the Head association of the German Woodworking and Furniture Industries (HDH) wish all participants a successful show and extend a warm welcome to all visitors of the German Pavilions in halls 2 and 3.

The German exhibitors are looking forward to welcoming you at their stands. Please get in touch.

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Here you can find all exhibitors within the German Pavilion.

Find out more about the products exhibited at KIFF / MTKT innovation 2012