HS Code:
The 'Other seats, with wooden frames' category (HS Code: 9401.69) includes a variety of seating furniture made with wooden frames, excluding upholstered seats and medical or specialized seating. This category encompasses products such as wooden chairs, benches, and stools, often used in households, offices, and public spaces. These products are valued for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility in design, ranging from traditional to modern styles. The global trade of this category reflects consumer preferences for sustainable materials and craftsmanship, as well as the influence of interior design trends.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.8 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.6%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly furniture
Increased preference for products made with certified wood and non-toxic finishes, boosting exports from countries with strong sustainability standards like Vietnam and Poland.
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce for furniture sales
Direct-to-consumer models and online marketplaces have expanded market access for smaller manufacturers, particularly benefiting exporters from China and Vietnam.
2020-2022
Shift toward minimalist and Scandinavian design
Higher demand for simple, functional wooden seating, favoring European exporters like Italy and Poland known for design innovation.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), requiring proof that wooden products, including seats with wooden frames, are sourced from deforestation-free supply chains.
June 2023
This regulation may increase compliance costs for exporters from countries with less stringent logging controls, while benefiting those with established sustainable practices like Vietnam.
The United States extended Section 301 tariffs on Chinese furniture imports, including wooden seats, maintaining a 25% additional duty amid ongoing trade disputes.
September 2022
This has led to a partial shift in US imports toward Vietnamese and Indonesian manufacturers, reducing China's market share in the US.
Vietnam announced investments in new manufacturing facilities and training programs to boost its furniture export sector, focusing on wooden seating products.
March 2023
This development is expected to solidify Vietnam's position as a leading exporter, potentially challenging China's dominance in the near future.