The Asian region is known as one of the leaders in furniture production and exports. With the United States being one of the largest importers of furniture, billions of dollars are spent each year on such activity. It is said that only a few regions can meet the demand from the US, one of which is China. That is why the Asian region has become a key exporter for various parts of the world. China boasts thousands of manufacturing facilities that produce furniture at the expected rate while delivering quality and diverse products at an affordable rate. This is one of the main reasons why sourcing furniture from China is championed by many, as it is often cheaper than buying from your local retailers. According to reports, China became recognized as the largest furniture exporter globally in 2004; additionally, it is said to manufacture most of the products offered by leading furniture designers across the globe. 

That being said, regardless of which country you are in, understanding the role of forex in such transactions is essential. Foreign exchange and currency fluctuations ultimately determine how much you will pay in your local currency for international trading activity. Therefore, some parallels can be drawn between import and  trading. When conducting trade with a global supplier, remaining mindful of the exchange rate to the country of interest is advised. It will help you determine the most suitable time to pay for the goods, which would be when the exchange rate is in your favor. Similarly, with forex trading, traders always look to capitalize on currency fluctuations and leverage the differences in the exchange rate and the value of the interest currencies. These concepts also apply to those looking to import furniture from China or any other Asian region specializing in manufacturing. 

4 top Asian exporting countries for wooden furniture

As already noted, China remains a crucial role player in the manufacturing and exporting furniture in the Asian region. When one looks at wooden furniture, the top 4 countries are China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. China’s labor force has been hailed for its diversity and skill set, which are critical reasons it manages to cater to many other countries and meet various customer needs and desires. Some believe that if you are looking for machine-made furniture of high quality, then China should be at the top of your list. The country’s manufacturers are positioned to make exporting more accessible to accommodate the international demand for furniture.

They are taking a closer look at Vietnam, which is ranked as Asia’s second-biggest furniture exporter, with approximately 1,500 export manufacturers in the country in 2018. The country’s economy and role within the industry are expected to continue growing rapidly, which would support the investments being made and the resources being allocated to ensure its continued success. 

Indonesia has been listed amongst the top places for furniture exports for more than two decades. Although it also offers a wide selection of furniture items, the majority is made from wood. However, it makes less wooden kitchen furniture and wooden office furniture, but the rate and means of production do differ in each country region. Indonesia is often viewed as the ideal place to go for unique and differentiated furniture pieces. On the other hand, Malaysia is said to have a relatively lower competitive advantage when it comes to low-cost manufacturing. Therefore, many of the country’s manufacturers have opted to add value through the design and branding of their products to maintain and gain market share. 

Importing from Asia

Anyone looking to import furniture from Asia is spoilt for choice. However, there are some considerations to be made when exploring this alternative. For example, some manufacturers only specialize in furniture manufacturing, such as bathroom furniture or bedroom furniture. Therefore, you need to do the necessary research or reach out to the manufacturers you are considering to determine whether they cater to your needs. It is very rare to find a manufacturer that covers all categories of furniture, which is why you may have to end up sourcing your furniture from different places. Other notable considerations include:

1. Minimum order quantity (MOQ)

This refers to the minimum number of items that you can order from a particular manufacturer for them to accept your order. This can prove to be a challenge for individuals that may only be looking to buy one L-shaped couch for their house, for example, and not for resale. Although this is great for some retailers and people who believe in reselling, as they get a discount in some cases, it is not a viable option for people who are merely looking to furnish their houses and not sell to make a profit. 

1. Shipping

Although most manufacturers offer shipping options as a standard part of placing an order with them, you may handle the shipping yourself. There are various reasons why one might prefer to personally handle shipment, including urgency, safety concerns, and track record or experience. Whatever you decide to do, there is a wide selection of shipment options to ensure that you receive your products satisfactorily. Depending on where your furniture will be delivered, the shipment process will most likely be a combination of sea, air, and road transportation.

1. Delivery time

Due to the complexity of the process and the various stakeholders involved in the manufacturing and shipment of your furniture, especially if you are an international customer, you must be prepared for quite a long waiting period. In addition to the time required to manufacture the goods according to your specifications, there may also be unexpected delays in the process. Some of these may be bad weather conditions, a lengthy customs clearance process, or a mix-up regarding the delivery destination or address. In light of this, it is not uncommon for one to receive their furniture from China after approximately three months. Therefore, you must keep this in mind and ensure that you place your order well in time and avoid placing rushed orders because you risk not receiving your furniture when you need it.