Global Push in Furniture and Paper: Target USD 1 Billion

The Aegean Furniture, Paper and Non-Wood Forest Products Exporters Association (EMKÖIB), which brings together the furniture, paper and non-wood forest products sectors, is launching a comprehensive international promotion and marketing programme in 2026 aimed at increasing exports to USD 1 billion.

The Association aims to increase the effectiveness of member companies in global markets throughout 2026 through national pavilion fair organisations, sectoral trade missions, UR-GE projects, design competitions, workshops and panels. Regular international events are planned each month under the programme.

From USD 915 Million to USD 1 Billion
EMKÖIB Chairman Ali Fuat Gürle stated that total exports from the Association reached USD 915 million in 2025 and announced that the target for 2026 is to exceed the USD 1 billion threshold through marketing activities to be conducted that year.

According to 2025 data; paper products exports reached USD 558 million, non-wood forest products exports reached USD 122 million with a 3 per cent increase, and furniture exports totalled USD 203 million.

Middle East and Europe Expansion in Paper Sector
Two major national pavilion organisations are planned in the paper sector. The Paper & Tissue Show Abu Dhabi, scheduled for 31 March–2 April 2026, targets expansion into the Middle East and Gulf markets, while the Paper & Tissue Show London, to be held on 11–12 November 2026, aims to increase activity in the European market.

Additionally, the Papyrus Packaging Design Competition and the Aegean Paper UR-GE Project are planned to support the sector's design and competitive strength.

Furniture: US and Strategic Market Move
In the furniture sector, a national pavilion organisation will be implemented at the HD Expo Las Vegas Fair, scheduled for 5–7 May 2026 in the United States. The objective is to make Turkish furniture sector's design and quality strengths more visible in the US market.

The 2026 programme also includes trade missions targeting the Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan, United Kingdom and West Africa (Senegal, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire) markets. The sixth Design Competition Breaking the Mould will also be organised as part of the design-oriented export vision.

Sustainable Competition Through Technical Committees
The Spice Technical Committee and the Non-Wood Forest Products Technical Committee, which operate within the Association, will continue technical harmonisation and regulatory studies in target markets, particularly the EU and US, in 2026. The objective is to strengthen the sector's value-added, sustainable and competitive structure.

Through its intensive global programme in 2026, EMKÖIB aims to position the Aegean Region in a stronger position in furniture, paper and non-wood forest products exports.