Furniture World News Desk on 6/9/2022

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an evolution of how and where people live and work. There has been an increase in home buying as people increasingly have left city apartments for suburban homes. The volume of home improvement projects has also skyrocketed over the last several years, with many people who have been spending more time at home feeling anxious to enhance their environments. Simultaneously, companies are working to freshen up workplace setting as a different mix and cadence of employees return to the office. As people rethink their personal and professional environments, there are many considerations but one constant is the demand for furniture and furnishings to finish these new living and work spaces.

One of the greatest challenges has been supply pressures in the industry to meet this growing demand. With furniture purchase orders up month-over-month by a staggering 7.2% in January of this year alone, furniture providers in the U.S. are struggling to keep up with the pace, with some delivery delays stretching six to eight months, if not longer. As ongoing supply chain issues, combined with labor shortages, add even more pressure to an already strained system, many buyers are growing increasingly discouraged and, consequently, furniture sellers and suppliers are getting creative and international in their sourcing and looking to stock their inventories with beautiful pieces from all over the world.

Enter Brazil: the sixth largest producer of furniture globally. Brazil has taken advantage of the current opportunity where buyers are looking for unique and special pieces in a stressed supply and demand environment. As evidence, Brazilian furniture companies and designers have invested in innovative solutions that speed up production, shipping, and delivery. As a result of these efforts and more, furniture exports grew 50.9% from 2020 to 2021, with 35% of Brazils exports in the furniture industry specifically destined for American stores. Demand continues to go up in 2022, with early estimates showing that exports increased 42% in the first quarter of the year.

Here are three ways Brazil has elevated their furniture offerings and innovations over the past few years, positioning the country as one to watch for design catalogs, inspiration boards, wish lists, and more:

In an era defined by constantly changing interior trends, low-cost materials, and poor workmanship, its often rare to find furniture designers that prioritize sustainability. Brazilian designers, however, are staying true to their craftmanship roots in order to produce high-quality and durable pieces that are more environmentally friendly than their mass-produced alternatives. Whats more, the country as a whole has very strong environmental legislation that provides checks and balances to ensure environmental preservation is always at the forefront in the furniture sector and across other industries.

Native Brazilian designer Natasha Schlobach created the sensory-packed exhibition [RF1]that perfectly captured the high-energy nature of Brazilian culture and design. Over the two weeks, Brazilian furniture designers displayed their innovative takes on flooring, lighting, seating, wallcovering, and textiles with bold structures and unique color patterns purposed to capture the attention of American buyers, distributors, designers, and everyday consumers.

Since the start of the pandemic, furniture buyers around the world have suffered the impact of an industry crippled with shipping delays and supply chain obstacles. In the wake of these disruptions, Brazil has nimbly risen as a global furniture mecca, with sleek and sustainable designs that embody Brasilidade the unique essence of Brazil. This sector has contributed to Brazils overall economic growth, with all goods and services produced in the country increasing 1% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the first quarter of 2021, and the countrys overall economy seeing 1.7% growth in the same timeframes. For individuals and home design businesses looking to obtain furniture pieces that bring extraordinary and meaningful beauty to the rooms they live in, Brazilian design is worth a look.

About Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil)ApexBrasil is the Brazilian governments trade and investment promotion agency. Regarding the investment activity, we support international investors as they analyze the opportunities to establish a plant in Brazil, start a partnership with a Brazilian company, or commit capital in Brazil through funds and companies. Our goal is to satisfy investors needs and generate results as we attract technology, innovation, new companies and generate jobs in Brazil. For more information, visitapexbrasil.com.

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How Brazil Is Meeting Demand to Bring Unique Furniture to the World - Furniture World