The Italian wood and furniture supply chain, one of the pillars of the "Made in Italy" manufacturing sector, closed 2024 with a slight decline, yet maintaining a strong and competitive position. In an uncertain economic context marked by fluctuating raw material costs, the industry continued to invest in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. According to FederlegnoArredo and Intesa Sanpaolo Research Center, the wood-furniture supply chain generated a total revenue of approximately €50 billion in 2024, down slightly from 2023 (-2.5%), but still above pre-pandemic levels.

The wood sector (raw materials, semi-finished products, panels, sawn timber) accounted for around €13 billion, affected by a drop in volumes and price stabilization. The furniture sector, more export-oriented and design-driven, remained robust, generating over €37 billion. Exports remain a strategic pillar: over 42% of the total turnover came from international sales, with strong growth in: USA (+7.3%), United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (+9%), France and Germany, which remain key markets despite cyclical slowdowns.
Imports of raw and semi-finished wood products decreased by 6.1%, due in part to a stronger focus on short supply chains and sourcing from EU countries such as Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.

In 2024, wood prices stabilized following the sharp increases of 2021–2022. According to ISTAT and data from WoodBusinessPortal.com, average market prices were:
- Sawn softwood: 240-320 eur/m4
- Raw chipboard panels: 200-280 eur/m3
- Poplar plywood: 380-450 eur/m3
- Solid oak (imported): up to 950 eur/m3.
There is growing demand for FSC/PEFC-certified wood and reclaimed wood, in line with the ESG policies adopted by a growing number of companies.

Trends and Outlook

- Digitalization and B2B Connectivity. Online platforms such as www.WoodBusinessPortal.com are playing an increasingly important role in connecting suppliers, buyers, and distributors across Europe. The portal offers:
- Advanced search by wood type and certifications
- Price and volume analytics by product category
- Verified B2B networking and contact opportunities.

- Green Transition. Thanks to the NRRP (Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and EU funding for sustainable industry, more companies are investing in:
- Low-impact production lines
- Regenerative or recycled raw materials
- Sustainable, traceable packaging solutions.

- Product Innovation. Demand for custom-made furniture, modular solutions, and products with high technical content (e.g., engineered wood, CLT, LVL) is increasing, particularly in the contract, hospitality, and international retail sectors.

Despite facing several challenges, the Italian wood-furniture supply chain remains a vital sector for the national and European economy. The integration of traditional craftsmanship with sustainability and digital innovation is key to maintaining competitiveness. In this context, WoodBusinessPortal.com stands out as a valuable tool to access new business opportunities, resources, and reliable partners in the wood sector.

Sources:
1. federlegnoarredo.it
2. group.intesasanpaolo.com
3. istat.it
4. pefc.it
5. fsc.org