Türkiye’s furniture industry is navigating the first nine months of 2025 under the shadow of weakening domestic demand, rising costs and financing challenges, while nevertheless maintaining stability in production and exports amid global competition. The sector is now gearing up for 2026 with a focus on easier financing access, increased productivity and a transformation centred on branding.

According to Mobilya Sanayicileri Derneği (MOSDER) Chairman Davut Karaçak, the furniture industry is under intense pressure in the domestic market due to inflation, cost increase and difficulties accessing credit. He noted that high interest rates and limited financing options are directly shaping large-volume purchasing decisions. “If we see improvements in credit in the last quarter, that could rapidly mobilise the sector,” he said.

Export markets provide some stability
In the external trade arena, the furniture, paper and forest-based products cluster registered a slight increase: exports rose from approximately USD 5.82 billion in Jan-Sept 2024 to USD 5.85 billion in the same period of 2025. In September alone, export value reached USD 687.3 million, up 4.1 % year-on-year. The continued flow of orders from Europe and the Gulf countries, along with increased logistics investment, is helping to stabilise the industry. However, the industry faces headwinds from the planned 25 % additional customs tariff on certain wooden and furniture items to be applied by the United States from 14 October 2025, especially affecting upholstered furniture and kitchen/bathroom cabinets.

2026 transformation on the horizon
Looking ahead, the industry’s key strategic priorities for 2026 include:

• Improving access to finance
• Enhancing production productivity
• Investing in technological transformation
• Strengthening branding and sustainability practices

While the Turkish furniture sector has the production capacity and design capability to hold its own in global competition, the reestablishment of confidence in the domestic market and decisive strategic expansion in exports are seen as the major determinants of success in the upcoming period.

“Furniture is a high-value ınvestment”
Karaçak emphasised that furniture purchases are inherently high-value investments and thus the availability of instalment sales and favourable financing conditions are critical for growth. “Regulations in this area that positively affect both producer and consumer could have major impact,” he said.