The Turkish furniture industry draws attention with the increase in export activities in addition to its strong performance in the domestic market. The sector, which has undergone a significant evolution in the field of technology and design with increasing domestic and foreign investments, is strengthening its position in foreign markets with manufacturers all over Türkiye, especially in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and Kayseri. The Turkish furniture industry, which achieved an export of 4.6 billion dollars in 2023, continues to grow with an export target of at least 5 billion dollars for 2024. The year 2024 stands out as a turning point in terms of sustainability and innovation in the furniture industry. Recyclable materials, minimalist designs, natural colors, modular and smart furniture solutions integrate with cultural motifs and modern lines in the sector shaped in line with developing technologies and consumer expectations.
The Turkish furniture industry is one of Türkiye’s most dynamic and fastest growing industries. A continuous increase is observed both in the domestic market and in export activities. With the increase in domestic and foreign investments, the Turkish furniture industry is undergoing a significant evolution in terms of both technology and design. Many furniture manufacturers operate throughout Türkiye, especially in big cities such as İstanbul, Ankara, Bursa, İzmir and Kayseri.
The Turkish furniture industry exports more than $5 billion of its total production value of approximately $12 billion to nearly 200 countries. Furniture exports, which were 400 million dollars in 2003, have now reached 4.6 billion dollars and increased their share in the world market. In this process, Türkiye climbed from 37th to 7th place in the world furniture export rankings. This success was possible thanks to the innovative approaches in the sector, quality-oriented production approach and the importance given to market diversity. Furniture manufacturers quickly adapted to global trends and made their products more attractive with modern designs and technological integrations. They also play a leading role in increasing ecological awareness by using environmentally friendly materials and meeting demands in this direction.
Sustainability and environmentally friendly production
The Turkish furniture industry closed 2023 with a strong performance despite the general contraction in the world economy. This increase was supported by strong performance, especially in the European, Middle Eastern and US markets. In addition, consumer preferences in the domestic market have shifted towards quality and original designs, contributing to the growth of the sector. The Turkish furniture industry, which started to give more importance to sustainability and environmentally friendly production as of 2023, has increased its competitiveness worldwide with investments in the use of materials obtained from renewable resources and waste management.
Turkish furniture industry aims to export at least 5 billion dollars for 2024
The export target set in the Turkish furniture industry for 2024 is at least 5 billion dollars. In line with this target, in the first two months of 2024, the sector increased its exports by 4.8 percent compared to the same period of the previous year and achieved an export of 706.2 million dollars. The Turkish furniture industry achieved an export of 366 million dollars in February alone, with an export increase of 11.56 percent compared to the same month of the previous year. The sector exported mostly to Iraq, Germany, USA, France and Romania in the first two months of the year. Especially a remarkable growth of 58.77 percent was recorded in Iraq and 23.56 percent in the USA.
Turkish furniture industry develops furniture that combines aesthetics and functionality
The year 2024 attracts attention as the period when innovation and sustainability are most emphasized in the Turkish furniture industry. Developing technologies and constantly evolving expectations of consumers encourage industry professionals to design more functional, aesthetic and environmentally friendly products. This change brings radical innovations in furniture design and production processes. Designers are moving away from traditional methods and adopting environmentally friendly approaches in material selection and workmanship. At the same time, efforts are made to develop furniture that combines aesthetics and functionality in a way that will contribute to the lifestyles and comfort of end users.
The main trends in the Turkish furniture industry are:
- Sustainable materials: Increasing environmental awareness makes the use of recyclable materials popular in the furniture industry. Materials such as wood, glass and metal are especially preferred because they are both natural and long-lasting. Advanced production techniques are used in the processing of these materials in order not to harm the environment.
- Minimalist and functional designs: Minimalist and functional furniture designs that meet the needs of modern living spaces come to the fore. These designs attract attention with their simple lines and high functionality, thus producing products that are both aesthetic and functional.
- Natural color palette: Natural colors are gaining importance in the furniture industry. Colors such as olive green, earth tones and sea blue are frequently used in both modern and classic furniture collections. These colors add a calm and natural atmosphere to spaces.
- Modular furniture: Ideal for small living spaces, modular furniture designs offer flexibility while maximizing space usage. This type of furniture can be shaped according to personal needs with different configurations.
- Smart furniture: With the integration of technology into the furniture industry, smart furniture is attracting more and more attention. This furniture is equipped with features such as integrated charging units, hidden storage areas and adjustable components. These features, which make users’ daily lives easier, stand out with their functionality.
- Cultural motifs and modern lines: Turkish furniture designers give furniture a unique identity by blending traditional motifs and craftsmanship with modern designs. In this way, Turkish furniture attracts great attention internationally and presents the cultural heritage in a modern framework.