The Turkish furniture sector, known for its local production capacity and export success, stands out on the international stage, especially with its unique designs and rich variety of styles. Koray Çalışkan, the Chairman of the Modoko Board of Directors and a Board Member at Çalışkan Ofis, gathered to discuss the successful endeavors of the Turkish furniture sector, stating, “Türkiye’s deep cultural heritage adds aesthetic depth to our designs. By blending traditional motifs from the Ottoman period, elegant wood craftsmanship, and contemporary design understanding, we make a difference in the industry. In this way, we adapt to changes as a sector and strengthen our position in global markets.”

In our interview with Koray Çalışkan, the Chairman of Modoko and a Board Member at Çalışkan Ofis, we discussed the current state of the Turkish furniture sector, the competition in export markets, and the future of local production. Çalışkan emphasized the role of domestic machinery in the industry, the impact of sustainability trends on furniture production, and the steps needed to enhance the global competitiveness of the Turkish furniture sector. He noted that sourcing raw materials for furniture production from Türkiye’s own resources significantly boosts the sector’s potential.

  • What are the main export markets for the Turkish furniture sector? Can you provide information about Türkiye’s performance in these markets?

The furniture sector is one of the industries that generates the highest current surplus for Türkiye. We have virtually no imported inputs, and we contribute significantly to the national economy through exports. In the January-July 2024 period, we achieved an export volume of 2.56 billion dollars. The total production volume in Türkiye is 12 billion dollars. As the raw materials used in furniture production are sourced from Türkiye’s own resources, the sector’s potential is quite high. The biggest export markets for the Turkish furniture sector include Iraq, Germany, the United States, France, and Romania. These markets hold substantial shares in our total exports. This shows us the increasing competitiveness of the Turkish furniture sector in global markets and the importance of its strategy to access different markets.

“We are enhancing our competitiveness in the sector by integrating technological innovations into our products”
  • Which new and emerging markets are noteworthy in the office furniture field? What kind of initiatives are you undertaking to maintain a competitive advantage in these markets?

According to the export data for the first six months of 2024, the noteworthy markets for office furniture are Germany, Iraq, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Romania, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Spain, and Libya. These countries play a significant role in Türkiye’s office furniture exports and contribute to expanding our market share. We are renewing our products with modern and ergonomic designs and enhancing our competitiveness in the sector by incorporating technological innovations.

  • Who are the main competitors of the Turkish furniture sector?

One of the most significant competitors of the Turkish furniture sector is China, which has a substantial production volume. China alone accounts for nearly 45% of the total furniture exports worldwide. In this context, it is crucial for Türkiye to have easy access to raw materials in its battle against the Chinese factor. This situation strengthens the hand of the furniture sector. With increasing promotional efforts for our sector, which generates a current surplus, I believe there is no obstacle to our exports, currently at 5 billion dollars, reaching 10 billion dollars in the very near future.

“Every day, new materials are integrated into furniture design”
  • How do you adapt your design and production processes to respond to changes in consumer demand?

Adapting to changes in consumer demand is one of the key elements of success in the furniture sector. Therefore, we continuously review and innovate our design and production processes. Firstly, we closely monitor consumer trends. Through market research and customer feedback, we can identify which designs are gaining more interest and what types of needs are emerging. Based on this information, our design team develops flexible and innovative solutions. Flexible designs, such as modular and customizable furniture, are a reflection of this approach. In our production processes, we pay attention to maintaining a balance between speed and quality. To respond to rapidly changing consumer demands, we have increased flexibility in our production lines. By integrating new technologies and production techniques, we enhance efficiency while maintaining our quality standards. Moreover, the use of environmentally friendly materials and sustainability-focused production processes are of great importance. By investing in these areas, we respond to the increasing environmental awareness of consumers. In summary, quickly adapting to consumer demands and offering innovative, flexible solutions are among our top priorities for maintaining success in the Turkish furniture sector. In order to meet competition and customer demands, we have started to incorporate various products such as glass, metal, marble, and fabric into the furniture sector. Every day, new materials are integrated into furniture design.

  • What is your opinion on Turkish woodworking machines? What portion of your production is provided by domestic machines?

The furniture manufacturing industry in Türkiye has gained significant momentum in recent years, and in parallel, the woodworking machinery industry, which includes our raw materials, accessories, and essential components, has also experienced rapid growth. As one of the companies that brought the first CNC machine to Türkiye in 1996, I must say that at that time, there were very few domestic manufacturing companies. In recent years, Turkish machine manufacturers have been producing machines suitable for every need, and they are doing so with high quality. Just like in every branch of industry, Türkiye has achieved remarkable momentum in the manufacturing of woodworking machines as well.

“Sustainability is one of the most prominent trends in international furniture markets”
  • What recent trends have you observed in international furniture markets?

Some trends that have become prominent in international furniture markets in recent years offer significant opportunities for our sector. Firstly, sustainability is one of the most important trends. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing environmentally friendly products. Another trend is minimalist designs. Simple and modern furniture that emphasizes functionality is preferred by consumers who want to adapt to the fast pace of urban life. Our designs are increasingly incorporating this simple aesthetic approach. Additionally, smart furniture is another noteworthy area. Solutions that enhance functionality by integrating technology with furniture are receiving great interest, especially from the younger generation, who are quite open to such innovative designs. Lastly, the resurgence of modular furniture and vintage and retro styles should not be overlooked. Consumers show interest in modular solutions that allow them to adapt their living spaces to their needs and in furniture with nostalgic touches. These trends present opportunities to enhance the international competitiveness of the Turkish furniture sector. As a sector, we are adapting to these changes and continue to strengthen our position in global markets.

“Türkiye’s deep cultural heritage adds aesthetic depth to our designs”
  • What design and style characteristics do you think make the Turkish furniture sector stand out in the international arena?

The Turkish furniture sector stands out internationally, particularly for its unique designs and rich variety of styles. Türkiye’s deep cultural heritage adds aesthetic depth to our designs. We create a difference in the sector by blending traditional motifs from the Ottoman period, elegant wood craftsmanship, and contemporary design principles. By skillfully combining modern and classical elements, we offer furniture that appeals to both traditional and modern living spaces. This approach distinguishes us and enables us to reach a wide customer base worldwide. Additionally, as the Turkish furniture sector, we provide our customers with flexible and customizable solutions. This flexibility, combined with our ability to offer project-specific designs in international markets, enhances our competitive strength in the sector. Our approach of combining quality with affordability is also one of the main reasons for our global preference. As a result, I believe that with our innovative, functional, and aesthetically rich designs, the Turkish furniture sector has secured a strong position internationally and that we will continue to maintain this success in the future.