US: Furniture imports remain strong
Source:Z&L Furniture Add Time:2014-01-30
US imports of wooden furniture remained strong at US$1.23 billion in October. Year-to-date imports were 6% higher than in October 2012. China's shipments accounted for 49% of total US imports in October. Vietnam's import share recovered to 16%.
China's furniture shipments to the US were US$598.7 million in October. Imports from Vietnam increased to US$201.2 million, but year-to-date imports were 11% lower than in October 2012.
Furniture imports from Malaysia and Indonesia increased by 18% and 43%, respectively, from the previous month.
| Aug 2013 | Sep-2013 | October 2013 | %Change | |
US total imports of which: | 1,206 | 1,133 | 1,234 | 9% |
China | 585 | 56 | 599 | 970% |
| Vietnam | 188 | 19 | 201 | 958% |
| Canada | 101 | 106 | 110 | 4% |
| Malaysia | 48 | 44 | 52 | 18% |
| Mexico | 50 | 51 | 1 | -99% |
| Indonesia | 52 | 33 | 47 | 42% |
Other | 182 | 824 | 225 | -73% |
Source: US Census Bureau: Foreign Trade Division USA Trade ® Online
Furniture market update
The furniture market continued to slowly improve according to the latest data by Smith Leonhard (Smith Leonhard Furniture Insights November 2013). However, relatively low consumer confidence is holding back demand. New furniture orders increased in the third quarter of 2013 and most companies (80%) reported higher orders compared to 2012. Total furniture orders in 2013 until September were 6% higher than at the same time last year.
Furniture and home furnishing retail sales slightly up
Retail sales at furniture and home furnishing stores grew in October after a brief decline in September according to the US Census Bureau. October sales were US$8.4 billion, up 1% from September. Retail sales were 8% higher than in October 2012.
Sales figures include both furniture and other home furnishing items, with furniture typically accounting for 50-60% of sales.
Survey identifies species use in cabinets and furniture
The Woodworking Network has assessed recent trends in wood species from the High Point Furniture Market and industry associations. For kitchen cabinets dark finishes and colours have become more common than white/light and medium finishes.
Kitchens include different species and finishes on different cabinets and furnishings. Cherry, maple and alder remain popular, but their use has declined. Use of the following species has grown: oak, walnut, birch and bamboo.
Demand for rift sawn white oak is up. Rift sawing is the most costly type of production, but the boards are very stable and have a distinctive tight grain. American cherry is the most popular species in bedrooms, dining rooms and entertainment centres. Red oak is the most used species in home office furniture.
The tables below provides an overview of the most popular wood species in furniture by room type, based on the 2012 survey by the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers at the High Point Furniture Market.
Bedroom furniture wood species
| Wood species | 2012 | 2011 |
| American cherry | 14% | 18% |
| Red Oak | 13% | 9% |
| Maple | 12% | 6% |
| Rubberwood | 9% | 6% |
| Mahogany | 7% | 8% |
| American Walnut | 6% | 9% |
| White Oak | 5% | 7% |
| Poplar (Tulipwood) | 4% | 1% |
| Pines | 4% | 5% |
| American Ash | 2% | 4% |
| Birch | 2% | 4% |
| Alder | 1.5% | 1% |
| Parawood | 1% | 1% |
| Primavera | 1% | 1% |
Source: Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc
Dining room furniture wood species
| Wood species | 2012 | 2011 |
| American cherry | 15% | 16% |
| Red Oak | 10% | 8% |
| White Oak | 7% | 7% |
| American Walnut | 7% | 11% |
| Rubberwood | 6% | 5% |
| Birch | 6% | 8% |
| Mahogany | 6% | 9% |
| Maple | 5% | 6% |
| Pines | 5% | 3% |
| American Ash | 3% | 4% |
| Poplar (Tulipwood) | 3% | 1% |
| American Pecan | 2% | 1% |
| Alder | 2% | 4% |
| Primavera | 1% | 1% |
| Parawood | 1% | 0% |
Source: Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc
Home office wood species
| Wood species | 2012 | 2011 |
| Red Oak | 17% | 10% |
| American Cherry | 12% | 19% |
| Mahogany | 11% | 8% |
| Maple | 11% | 6% |
| American Walnut | 7% | 10% |
| Birch | 5% | 3% |
| White Oak | 5% | 9% |
| Ruberwood | 4% | 7% |
| Pines | 3% | 4% |
| Alder | 3% | 4% |
| American Ash | 3% | 2% |
| Poplar (Tulipwood) | 2% | 3% |
| Alder | 2% | 4% |
| Primavera | 1% | 1% |
| Parawood | 1% | 0% |
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