FIRA’s Statistics Digest

Imports of furniture into the UK were lower in 2011 than in 2010 – £4.3b from £4.5b. The majority of imports originated from China  (32%), and Italy remained a major supplier to the UK (11%). China’s share of imports to the UK fell very slightly. Exports from the UK continued on an upward trend and reached £993m in 2011. ekonglong wooden reception table

The digest is a distillation of information sourced from Government bodies including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), HM Revenue and Customs and the Communities and Local Government, plus the Bank of England. It covers data for the period 2008-2011 and includes national economic trends such as consumer spend, credit and housing – all of which have an influence on furniture sales.

FIRA’s Phil Reynolds says: “Operating within the current economic climate poses many challenges, with strategic planning becoming increasingly important. FIRA’s Statistics Digest incorporates much of the data needed to inform and underpin the development of such business plans, and I would recommend it to anyone working in, or with, the UK furniture industry.”

Other key facts from the new report include: with slightly falling imports and increasing exports, the furniture sector saw a small decrease in the trade gap, the first for many years; borrowing on credit cards remained relatively static from 2008-2011, with other forms of lending having fallen by 17%; total net lending over the period has continued to fall, with a large drop having occurred in 2008 – however, lending, including that on dwellings, has increased; and total consumer expenditure fell, although it improved slightly from a low of £851b in 2009.

A hard copy of the digest can be pre-ordered, and a pdf purchased for £300 by non-FIRA members – and free for members via the FIRA website.