The annual furniture fair was held in Poznan, which, as every year, attracted both numerous exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. This time more than 300 Polish companies presented their products, and the number of foreign visitors reached nearly a hundred. The event became not only an opportunity to establish new business contacts, but also a platform for exchanging experiences and presenting innovative solutions in the field of furniture making.
Despite the positive tone of the fair, the condition of the domestic furniture industry remains somewhat difficult. Last year was not a satisfactory one for it; furniture prices fell slightly, which for many factories meant that they had to cut jobs. Many manufacturers are signaling that they are struggling to survive in the face of rising production and raw material costs.
The situation is further complicated by a shortage of skilled labor, especially in southern Greater Poland. In the Kepno area, furniture manufacturing companies are facing a shortage of labor, which is a serious obstacle to further development. Many entrepreneurs are trying to attract workers by offering attractive salaries and social packages, but the problem is still unsolved.
The hope for the industry may be to increase exports of Polish furniture to the US market. The current geopolitical situation creates favorable conditions for this, including through tariffs imposed on products from China. Exports to the United States could become a way to improve the sector's condition, as emphasized by Jozef Szyszka, director of the Poznan Furniture Fair. According to him, the growth opportunities are significant, and trade relations with the US could significantly affect the development of the entire industry.
However, the Polish furniture industry faces challenges from the current market stagnation. After a dynamic period of growth during the pandemic, when many people opted for changes in interior design, there is now a slowdown. It is now the time for companies to demonstrate innovation and the ability to adapt to changing consumer needs.
In conclusion, Polish furniture companies, despite the difficulties they are facing, are trying to adapt to the new market realities and are not losing hope of improving the situation by expanding exports. Whether they can capitalize on the opportunities ahead depends on their skillful response to the challenges they will face in the coming months. A key element of success will also be the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, which remains one of the industry's biggest problems.
