A 2020 to be archived quickly for the Italian wood and furniture supply chain, which is made up of around 71.500 companies with over 307.000 employees. According to the final data of FederlegnoArredo, the lockdown hit hard, causing a contraction in turnover of -9,1% compared to 2019: domestic market -7,5%, but above all exports -11,7%.
The domestic market in 2020 recorded a drop in consumption linked above all to the health emergency phase and the closure of commercial activities, but it benefited in part from the new boost in demand due to the rediscovery of the house by the Italians. Phenomenon that involved both interiors, with the need for greater comfort and to create spaces with different uses, as in the case of the smart working and distance learning, and the outdoor spaces which have found a new centrality.
On the other hand, foreign markets are very bad, penalized by the logistical difficulties with the blockage of transport and travel and from lack of fairs, but also – underlines FederlegnoArredo – by the increase in the prices of raw materials. However, since the summer, Italian companies in the sector have recorded a important recovery, not sufficient to compensate for the damage caused by the months of closure but essential to reduce the extent of the loss experienced in the first part of 2020.
More in detail, the Furniture and Lighting Macrosystem closed the year 2020 with a total export of 11,1 billion euros, with a decrease compared to 2019 of -10,1%. The bending is a direct consequence of the lockdown implemented, even with different timing, by many countries globally and a sharp slowdown in international trade. There France, despite the decline (-7,1%) remains the first commercial outlet, followed by Germany (-1,8%) And United States (-3,6%) leading non-European market.
