Turkey has witnessed a remarkable surge in furniture exports over the past six years, with figures quadrupling to reach $8 billion (TL 260.1 billion) in 2023, according to a report by Anadolu Agency (AA).
Hüseyin Taklacı, the head of the Turkish woodworking federation, highlighted the significant contribution of 147 professional chambers and 100,000 tradespeople to the country's economy at a furniture expo in the central Anatolian city of Kayseri.
Taklacı emphasized the need for more research and development (R&D) centers in the furniture manufacturing sector to enhance the country's export capabilities with a distinctive style. He noted that 93% of raw materials in the sector are sourced from Turkey's national resources.
"With the necessary support, the furniture manufacturing sector will continue to serve as a valuable foreign currency contributor to our country," Taklacı remarked, underlining the importance of additional support for micro and medium-sized enterprises to expand their operations.
Highlighting the potential for further growth, Taklacı pointed out that Anatolian furniture-makers produce value-added products, which could contribute to increased export figures.
The furniture sector's development is particularly notable in cities such as Kayseri, Ankara, Bursa, and Adana, according to Taklacı.
"We witnessed export figures of $2 billion in 2018, $3 billion in 2019, $5.5 billion in 2020, $6.9 billion in 2021, $7.4 billion in 2022, and nearly $8 billion in 2023," Taklacı stated, underscoring the sector's consistent growth trajectory.
He anticipated further growth in production and exports in 2024, especially if the General Directorate of Forestry provides wood to factories at more favorable prices.
Currently, China leads the world in furniture exports, with Turkey ranking ninth globally.
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