Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, furniture exporters have seen many overseas orders cancelled and enterprises in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, have slowed production. However, the rise of work-from-home culture in many countries has created demand for furniture suited to this work style. Manufacturers in Harbin City were quick to link overseas e-commerce companies to take advantage of this new market and the preference of consumers to shop online.
In the first ten months of 2020, furniture exports are up rather than down compared to the same period of 2019. In some cases, enterprises report rises of 30%.
One company in Harbin City exports 80% of its production worth around RMB200 million annually. Since the resumption of work in February this year, the company has seen a gradual increase in orders such that delivery dates now extend to February 2021.
The company in question has focused trade with ecommerce companies such as Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, Alibaba and other e-commerce companies, which are all driving the growth of furniture exports. In the second half of 2020, ready-to-assemble furniture suitable for consumers at home have become popular.
Source: ITTO Tropical Timber Market Report
