Q1 Furniture Exports Hit $15m

A total of $15 million worth of furniture were exported from Iran during the first quarter of the current Iranian year (March 21-June 21), according to the head of Iran Furniture Manufacturers and Exporters Union.
Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Tajikistan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and some African countries were the main destinations of exports, IRIB News reported.
“Generally, these countries are not producers [of furniture] and have about 400 million consumers [combined],” Hassan Ahmadian was also quoted as saying.
Iranian furniture exports stood at $70 million in the last Iranian year (March 2022-23).
Noting that the turnover in the domestic furniture industry is $8 billion per year, he added that the industry accounts for 8% of total job creation in Iran.
The 32nd International Specialized-Export Exhibition of Furniture Industry was held at Tehran’s International Fairground from July 5-8.
The expo aimed at presenting the latest products and technologies in the furniture industry, creating a suitable environment for domestic production sector’s growth and the development of export markets, showcasing the capabilities of domestic producers and exchanging views for improving the quality of manufactured products.
Domestic companies represented at the event in the fields of modern, classic and children's furniture, bedroom sets and furniture, folding wall beds, hotel and restaurant furniture, outdoor furniture and structures, 
The western Iranian city of Malayer in Hamedan Province has been registered as the national hub of furniture production and wood carving.
Malayer reportedly accounts for about 65-70% of Iran’s total furniture production with over 15,000 people working in the field.
Some 85,000 sets of carved furniture are said to be produced in Iran every year, 50,000 of which are produced in Malayer.
As the development of furniture industry is heavily dependent on up-to-date technology and equipment, Iranian furniture producers have faced many problems during years of sanctions, which prevented the import of technology.
Industry players say the absence of latest technology and domestic barriers such as high import tariffs and heavy taxes have not allowed Iranian producers to unlock their full potential.
Iran is said to be self-sufficient in the field of office furniture. 
Almost all the products in the market are domestically produced and their high quality has made them popular among customers.