In the Italian wood-furniture-furniture sector, growing concerns about European Union regulations are attracting more attention than tariffs imposed by the United States. Companies in the sector are facing an increasingly complex bureaucratic burden, resulting in significant challenges to their daily operations. This bureaucratization is a barrier not only in terms of time, but also in terms of resources, requiring significant expenditure that could be directed into other business areas, such as innovation or market expansion.
Despite these challenges, the mobile industry ended 2024 on a slow note, but not without confidence for the future. Companies are looking to the coming years with optimism, hoping for a more favorable economic environment and less stringent regulations that can ease operations and facilitate growth. The 2025 Milan Furniture Fair, scheduled for April 8, will be an important event to test the industry's resilience and adaptation to new market realities. It will be edition number 63 of this iconic event, which continues to be a landmark for the global design and furniture industry.
In 2025, Friuli Venezia Giulia companies are expected to participate less in the Salone del Mobile due to technical and budget constraints. This phenomenon is indicative of a broader trend in which companies are reducing their attendance at the fair to contain costs in times of economic crisis. Edi Snaidero, however, warns that this could prove to be a counterproductive move. According to Snaidero, cutting attendance at such crucial events could limit opportunities for networking and international visibility, essential elements for long-term growth and success.
An additional element of change planned for the 2025 edition is the introduction of a biennial trade show dedicated to lighting. This focus could reflect a willingness to adapt to market demands and new trends in design and sustainability. However, the absence of the kitchen and bathroom segments could be a significant gap, as these areas have always played a central role in past editions.
The reduced participation is, in part, a symptom of the economic difficulties the industry is facing. The general market downturn and economic challenges are being felt, with companies having to navigate an increasingly unstable and competitive environment. However, there is a drive to innovate and find new solutions to overcome these obstacles, taking advantage of events like the show to explore new opportunities and reach a global audience.
