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The furniture industry in the western region has experienced a surge in growth since 2008, but the momentum has gradually slowed in recent years. However, with the implementation of special policies aimed at the western region as part of the country's broader reform efforts, and the focus on new urbanization strategies, this area is now seeing renewed opportunities for development. Zhu Changling, chairman of the China Furniture Association, highlighted these points during the 2nd China Furniture Industry Development Chengdu International Forum held today.
In the first four months of this year, the main business income of the furniture industry reached 205.149 billion yuan, with a stable overall growth rate. Sichuan, in particular, ranked fourth in terms of growth, showing promising signs for the region.
In 2013, China became the world’s top furniture exporter, shipping products to over 220 countries with a total export value of 53.1 billion U.S. dollars. Over the past few years, trade between Chinese furniture companies and international markets has grown significantly, with increased industry inspections, technical discussions, and information exchanges. The China Furniture Association has established relationships with organizations around the world, enabling the industry to learn advanced design concepts and stay updated with global trends. This has helped the sector adapt its strategies and maintain sustainable growth.
China's furniture industry is transitioning from traditional models to a more market-driven approach. Wooden furniture remains a significant part of the industry, with double-digit growth rates. Zhu Changling noted that industrial development patterns are gradually shifting. For the past three decades, many companies have relied on low-cost labor and land resources. However, the global financial crisis in 2008 forced rapid changes, pushing the industry toward high-tech, eco-friendly, and digital solutions. E-commerce and digitalization are now widely adopted, with this model initially focusing on the eastern region before slowly expanding to central and western areas and smaller cities. This shift has intensified competition, making it harder for small businesses to survive and leading to greater industry polarization.
Children's furniture and customized furniture are emerging as key market segments. The children's furniture market has seen renewed interest, with more companies entering the space. Zhu Changling explained that the post-1980s generation is the primary consumer group, and although there are fewer well-known brands compared to adult furniture, those with strong popularity continue to perform well. Products made from particleboard and solid wood are particularly popular among consumers.
Customized whole furniture models are also gaining traction. After two years of development, this model has integrated the furniture industry with real estate, building materials, and decoration sectors. Currently, many domestic customized markets are dominated by established brands. In the western region, several companies produce panel furniture and have introduced custom production lines. Some even bring in foreign technology and customize it locally.
The new urbanization strategy is opening up new opportunities for the western furniture industry. With an urbanization rate of only 44.8% in the western region, the government aims to guide nearly 100 million people toward urbanization in central and western areas. This shift requires industrial support, and the furniture industry—being labor-intensive—can play a vital role in absorbing workers and reducing employment imbalances.
Additionally, the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, offers further potential. This economic corridor connects China with West Asia and spans 11 western provinces. Zhu encouraged western furniture companies to take advantage of this opportunity by enhancing international cooperation, learning about global trends through exports and technology transfers, and preparing for both import and export activities.
Despite the challenges posed by geography and transportation, the western furniture industry still holds great potential. As the industry continues to evolve, strategic moves toward innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration will be essential for long-term success.