Aegean Furniture Makers Set Off for China

Turkey's furniture sector, one of the country's rising export industries, drew attention in 2024 by posting a USD 3.7 billion trade surplus. Now the sector is turning its gaze toward China, the world's largest furniture manufacturer and exporter.

High tariffs imposed by the United States on China have prompted Chinese furniture giants to look favorably on production partnerships in Turkey, creating a significant opportunity for Aegean exporters. Seeking to capitalize on this potential, the Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters Association is taking 17 companies to Shanghai and Foshan as part of the "China URGE Sectoral Trade Delegation."

"Our First International Step to China"
Ali Fuat Gürle, Chairman of the Aegean Furniture, Paper and Forest Products Exporters Association, stated that they will conduct their first international marketing activities in China under the Aegean Furniture Ur-Ge Project:

"Global furniture exports have reached USD 525 billion. China alone exports USD 190 billion. China accounts for 44% of global furniture production and 36% of exports. We anticipate that Chinese manufacturers will look favorably on production partnerships in Turkey due to high US tariffs. We will also explore this ground."

Furniture China Fair and Foshan Visit
The delegation will visit Furniture China Fair, one of the world's largest furniture fairs, as part of the China program. Following that, inspections and company visits will be conducted in Foshan, a major furniture manufacturing hub.

Hikmet Güngör, Vice Chairman of the Association, noted that the visit will be eye-opening:

"We will get to know the Chinese market and evaluate production partnerships. Through bilateral meetings in China, we will also seek to lay the groundwork for increasing Turkey's furniture exports to China."

Companies Participating in the Delegation
The following companies are participating in the URGE delegation going to China:
Decosit Mobilya, Vizyon Büro Mobilya, Meltem Bebek ve Gençlik Mobilya, Karlı Orman Ürünleri, Bofigo Grup, Uygul Mobilya, Demar Makina, Renazzo Mobilya, Arnohome Mobilya, Güreler Mobilya, Nerr Ofis Mobilyaları, Eliza Medikal Yatak Sistemleri, B2C Medikal Organizasyon, Aga Orman Ürünleri, Yurteri Orman Ürünleri, Niron Grup, Oben Koltuk.