The furniture industry continues to grow in international markets by quickly adapting to changing trends. With a focus on quality, design, and sustainable production, the Turkish furniture sector is increasing its competitiveness and expanding its influence in exports every day. We discussed how 2024 has been for the sector, expectations for 2025, and export strategies with İdol Furniture Export Manager Ahmet Yılmaz. Yılmaz stated, “As the Turkish furniture sector, we compete with strong rivals like China and Poland in the global market. Although these countries stand out with their high production capacities and price advantages, we distinguish ourselves with superior quality, unique design, and meticulous craftsmanship.”

The furniture industry is in a constant state of change and development, from its design philosophy to production technologies, export strategies, and sustainability goals. Türkiye’s rise in this field stands out due to its focus on quality and its ability to quickly adapt to the dynamics of the global market. The year 2024 was a year of steady growth for the Turkish furniture sector. Maintaining a strong position in both domestic and international markets, the sector continued its export success through quality, innovative designs, and strong collaborations. Representatives of the sector, aiming to increase their market presence in 2025, continue to open up to new markets and strengthen their sustainable production approach in line with changing trends. We discussed the latest developments in furniture exports, sector competition, emerging design trends, and sustainable production policies with İdol Furniture Export Manager Ahmet Yılmaz.

  • How was 2024 for the Turkish furniture sector? What are your expectations for the first 3 months of 2025?

In 2024, it was a year of steady growth for our sector. Thanks to quality production, beautiful designs, and strong collaborations, we continued to secure a solid position in both domestic and international markets. Despite global challenges, we maintained our strong performance in exports. As a company, we focused on customer satisfaction throughout this process and continued our growth in both existing and new markets. For the first quarter of 2025, we plan to continue moving forward with the same determination. We will continue to participate in trade fairs as usual and shape the market with our collections. In the new year, we aim to contribute to the growth of the sector while maintaining our strong position both domestically and internationally.

“We adopt a comprehensive export strategy, giving equal value to all markets”
  • What are the most important export markets for the Turkish furniture sector? Which new countries do you think could be added to these markets in 2025?

While it is possible to mention specific markets for the Turkish furniture sector, there is no single most important market for us. Global trade dynamics and developments in world politics can unexpectedly bring some markets to the forefront. Therefore, we adopt a flexible and comprehensive export strategy, giving equal value to all markets. Our goal is to maintain our strength in existing markets while also making the most of emerging new opportunities.

“The intense competition is not a disadvantage for us”
  • Which countries are the main competitors of the Turkish furniture sector?

As the Turkish furniture sector, we compete with strong rivals such as China and Poland in the global market. These countries stand out with their high production capacities and price advantages, but we differentiate ourselves through superior quality, unique design, and meticulous craftsmanship. Contrary to what is often believed, intense competition is not a disadvantage for us; on the contrary, it is a driving force that encourages innovation and constantly raises our quality standards. In this dynamic environment, we not only compete but also act with the vision of being a key player shaping the sector.

“Designs with clean lines, free from unnecessary details, and easy on the eyes will stand out”
  • What will the trends in the furniture market be in 2025?

Smart Furniture: With technology integration, furniture featuring charging ports, built-in lighting, and adjustable functions will continue to increase year by year.

Simple and Elegant Designs: Designs with clean lines, free from unnecessary details, and easy on the eyes will stand out. Just like any other industry, furniture is constantly evolving. If you don’t adapt to technology and time, you cannot remain sustainable. Renewal is not just about following trends; it is also the key to longevity in the sector.

“The Turkish furniture sector stands out with its flexibility and diversity”
  • What design and style characteristics do you think the Turkish furniture sector stands out for in the international arena?

The Turkish furniture sector stands out in the global market by emphasizing flexibility and diversity with its wide range of products. From classic lines to modern designs, from pioneering styles to minimalist approaches, it caters to every taste and need with its rich collections. This diversity not only strengthens the sector in terms of aesthetics but also in functionality and meeting user expectations. Turkish furniture brands, reaching large audiences in international markets, continuously enhance their competitive edge with innovative design approaches and high-quality standards.

“We are aware that sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity”

Sustainability has become a part of global trends. Considering the steps taken in eco-friendly production in 2024, how do you plan to chart a roadmap for this area in 2025?

We are aware that sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. With this awareness, we continue to offer designs that are environmentally minimal, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. By adopting an environmentally respectful production approach, our goal is not only to shape the present but also to shape the future of the furniture sector.

“The share of domestic machines in our production is quite significant”
  • How do you evaluate Turkish woodworking machines? What portion of your production is provided by domestic machines?

Turkish woodworking machines have made significant advancements in terms of quality and technology in recent years. Domestic manufacturers have reached a level where they can compete globally in terms of durability and efficiency, securing a strong position in the industry. The share of domestic machines in our production is quite significant. However, in line with the specific technologies required by our production processes, we also work with imported machines in some areas. Our goal is to further integrate the solutions provided by domestic manufacturers, strengthening our independence in the sector.