HS Code:
Headings 9401, 9402, and 9403 of the Harmonized System (HS) Code cover furniture and related articles. Heading 9401 includes seats (other than those of heading 9402), whether or not convertible into beds, and parts thereof. Heading 9402 encompasses medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary furniture (e.g., operating tables, examination tables, hospital beds with mechanical fittings) and parts thereof. Heading 9403 covers other furniture and parts thereof, such as wooden, metal, or plastic furniture for offices, kitchens, bedrooms, and other uses. This category represents a significant segment of global trade, driven by demand in residential, commercial, and healthcare sectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 80 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 30 billion
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 7 billion
8.75% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5 billion
6.25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 4.5 billion
5.63% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain countries on specific furniture imports as anti-dumping measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly furniture made from recycled or certified sustainable wood, driving market growth in regions with strict environmental regulations like the EU.
2021-2023
Rise of e-commerce in furniture sales
Direct-to-consumer models and online marketplaces have boosted trade volumes, especially for flat-pack and modular furniture, benefiting exporters like Vietnam and China.
2020-2023
Growth in demand for ergonomic and healthcare furniture
Aging populations and remote working trends have increased demand for medical furniture (9402) and ergonomic home office furniture (9401, 9403), particularly in North America and Europe.
2020-2023
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese furniture imports under Section 301, citing unfair trade practices. This has led to a shift in sourcing to countries like Vietnam and Indonesia.
Mid-2022
Reduction in Chinese market share in the US, with increased costs for American consumers and diversification of supply chains.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations under the Green Deal, mandating sustainability certifications for wooden furniture imports to reduce deforestation.
Early 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters from developing countries, while benefiting suppliers with established sustainable practices.
Vietnam has become a key player in furniture exports, benefiting from trade diversion due to US-China tariffs and investments in manufacturing capabilities.
Late 2022
Significant growth in Vietnam’s trade volume, positioning it as a competitor to China in low-cost furniture production.