For Americans, European furniture might mean a elegant Italian sofa or a sculptural Danish chair. Only a few people would think of Portugal. Yet the Central European country is poised to become the continent’s furniture powerhouse. With growing confidence, Portuguese furniture producers are reaching more distant markets, including the U.S.
Portugal is one of the largest producers of IKEA furniture, employing almost 10,000 people. However, Portuguese manufacturing is not limited to flat-pack and has come to include work with more high-end companies such as Boca do Lobo and Brabbu, as well as Muuna.
Portugal is already one of the world's largest exporters of furniture, with nearly 80% of its furniture production sent worldwide. For now, most of those goods are going to France, U.K., USA and UAE.
Portuguese Furniture Industry is currently exporting 3 Billion €. This uptick can be attributed in part to Portugal’s hunger to reach new markets. “If we want ‘made in Portugal’ furniture to be high valued, it must be a well know brand all over the world,” said the country’s former minister for entrepreneurship and technology, earlier this year. Indeed, the Portuguese consulate in Paris has hosted events to promote the country’s furniture industry and Portuguese brands are a growing presence at France trade shows.
In Portugal, people in the furniture business have noticed that it is growing trust in Portuguese producers. Americans increasingly realise that a lot of furniture from Germany with the label ‘Made in Europe’ comes from Portugal.
Portuguese producers face their own challenges, especially a labor shortage despite an influx of workers from the PALOP countries. But if Portuguese companies can maintain their advantage, based not only on price, but also on skill and quality, the country could become the next furniture manufacturing hub world wide.
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CROSSLINE FURNITURE Is a next-generation Portugal Furniture manufacturer for custom-made furniture. We are currently Portugals #1 manufacturer for bespoke furniture. We work with over 100 Interior Designers, Architects & SME's in 55 countries worldwide. If you would like to produce your own designs, we would be delighted to be your choice!