Lazy Boy or Victorian: Which one’s for you?
The Sofa is a place for us to sit together with our visitors and loved ones. Many of our relationships are maintained through this unassuming piece of furniture. With modern times, comes a sense of individualism. Couches are hence becoming the symbol of ultimate comfort and relaxation for hard-working individuals.
The living room, a sacred respite from the pangs of modern life, is incomplete without it. The sofa import export data displays the popularity of sofas in some of the biggest populations of the world. Read on to find out more about the sofa market, and how you can best leverage its opportunities.
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Product Overview
The word “Sofa” comes from the Turkish “Suffah” meaning “ledge/bench”, although it referred to what we call a Divan. It originated in the Persian (/Ottoman) empire, renowned for its detailed and luxurious interiors. The true sofa was born in the Victorian era (the 1800s) as finely crafted furniture for the wealthy. From there, it eventually found its way to the masses. The intricate woodwork and upholstery turned to the single-seat Lazy-boy. Thus, couches became significantly affordable, like the ones in IKEA, and very comfortable, like the aforementioned Lazy boy.
Export analysis
Our free sofa export data shows China exporting typical leather sofas. While the country has its own coveted oriental style of furniture, many MNCs get their value-for-money couches built here. Meanwhile, Poland manages to top the list by strategically attracting the world-famous Swedish company IKEA to build within its borders. Importers should keep in mind that Vietnam’s potential is growing as a furniture manufacturer. While Turkey and Romania continue to capitalize on the legacy of the Persian empire. Hence, luxury sofas imported from here will have an added degree of legitimacy.
Top exporting countries (2020)
- Poland ($578 million)
- China ($548 million)
- Turkey ($136 million)
- Romania ($112 million)
- Vietnam ($72.3 million)
Import analysis
We see in the sofa import data that the US, UK, and Japan import a majority of their sofas from China. As mentioned before, the US imports its products that are made in China to be sold by American companies. These top importing countries also have increasingly individualistic cultures that make them the ideal market for this commodity.
Top importing countries (2020)
- United States ($285 million)
- Germany ($269 million)
- France ($227 million)
- United Kingdom ($87.4 million)
- Japan ($68.5 million)
Market Overview
Ultimately, the story of the sofa is about mankind’s dedication to achieving the ultimate quality of life. With the spread of modernity also comes the prevalent economic system of capitalism. Whether it’s a medium-class teenager in America or a middle-high-class family man in India, everyone wants their own fully furnished home.
IKEA stores are opening all over the world as brand awareness and demand for their products grow. The masses need more affordable consumer goods to represent their identities.
While this is true, higher-income demographics also need finer products to set themselves apart from the IKEA-goer. Developed nations like the UK will likely have scope for more intricate and stylized couches. Also, consider couches with high-tech features for these demographics. Additionally, the products must be eco-friendly to appeal to conscious customers.
