In this article, we explore six key markets, each presenting unique opportunities and challenges for Iranian and regional exporters: Iran as a growing producer under sanctions, Iraq as a market eager for reconstruction, Russia with vast timber resources but an economy under strain, Turkey as a direct and powerful competitor, China as the unrivaled giant of mass production, and finally, the English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia), which are the largest importers of high-value-added furniture.
A Glance at the Global Furniture Export Market (2024-2025)
According to the latest ITC and Statista reports, China remains the undeniable leader, holding over 39% of global furniture exports (around $72 billion in 2024). Vietnam has made a remarkable leap (26% annual growth) to reach second place, followed by Poland, Germany, and Italy.
Turkey is ranked eighth worldwide and is the only Middle Eastern country among the top 10 exporters. In 2024, Iran ranked 53rd globally with about $180 million in official exports, although unofficial figures (suitcase exports and exports via intermediaries to Iraq and Afghanistan) estimate this number at $350-400 million.
Russia, prior to the Ukraine war, was a notable exporter, but is now mostly confined to Central Asian and Chinese markets due to sanctions. Iraq has virtually no exports and is one of the largest importers in the region. English-speaking countries collectively import over $45 billion worth of furniture, with the US alone accounting for $34 billion of that amount.
Global demand is now moving toward three main trends: sustainable and eco-friendly furniture, smart and multifunctional furniture (suitable for remote work), and competitively priced furniture for the growing middle class in developing countries. These three trends outline the roadmap for any exporter.
Real Conditions for Furniture Exports in 2025
Furniture exports today are far more than just packing and shipping; they involve a complex chain of standards, tariffs, logistics routes, and political-economic risks. In practice, each target market offers its own unique 'package of headaches and opportunities.'
China and Vietnam remain the cheapest options due to mass production and low container shipping costs (about $2,500 to $3,500 for a 40-foot container to Europe), but other countries must compete with quality, delivery speed, or proximity to markets.
Key global requirements today:
· FSC or PEFC certification for sustainable wood (almost mandatory in Europe and English-speaking countries).
· Fire resistance standards BS 7176 or California TB117-2013 (for the US and UK markets).
· European EUTR label (ban on illegal timber).
· Formaldehyde testing (CARB Phase 2 in the US, E1 in Europe).
Tariffs are another story: The US has imposed a 25% anti-dumping tariff on Chinese furniture, but Turkish and Vietnamese furniture enters nearly tariff-free. The EU has a customs union with Turkey (zero tariff), but applies 14% and up to 40% anti-dumping duties on Iranian and Russian furniture, respectively.
Best Logistics Routes for Regional Exporters:
· Iran → Iraq: By truck via Mehran and Shalamcheh, cost $3,500 to $5,500 per trailer, transit time 4-7 days.
· Iran → Russia: Via Astrakhan or Novorossiysk Port through the Caspian, 20-foot container costs about $4,800, transit time 12-18 days.
· Turkey → Europe: Hundreds of trailers daily via Bulgaria and Greece, costs €3,800 per full trailer.
· China → Everywhere: Ningbo-Shanghai port, 40-foot container to the US about $9,000 (due to container shortage in 2025, prices remain high).
Iran's major obstacle is banking and shipping insurance sanctions; as a result, 70% of Iranian furniture exports to Iraq and Afghanistan are conducted in cash and through intermediaries.
Economic Impact of Furniture Exports on the Reviewed Countries
Furniture exports are highly job-generating; each $1 million in exports directly creates 18 to 25 sustainable jobs (more than the automotive or even petrochemical sectors).
China: The industry directly employs 7 million people and makes up 4% of all Chinese exports. The cities of Shunde and Foshan alone output as much furniture as all of Europe.
Turkey: From 2015 to 2024, Turkish furniture exports quadrupled (from $1.8 billion to $7.8 billion), now Turkey’s second-largest export sector after automotive. The İnegöl-Kayseri region alone employs 80,000 directly.
Iran: Despite sanctions, the furniture industry employs about 350,000 (mostly in small workshops in Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan). If banking sanctions are lifted, exports could reach $2 billion in five years.
Russia: Before the Ukraine war, exports were $1.2 billion; now they've dropped below $450 million. Large factories in Siberia are almost shut down, and raw timber is being shipped to China.
Iraq: Has little to no industrial production, but the influx of cheap Iranian and Turkish furniture is rapidly helping its construction sector rebuild; it imports $2.5 to $3 billion in furniture annually.
English-speaking countries: The US is the world’s largest importer, buying $34 billion of furniture yearly, while domestic production (e.g., Ashley Furniture and La-Z-Boy) accounts for only 30% of the market. This represents a major opportunity for any country capable of meeting the US's strict standards.
The Real Position and Opportunities of Each Country in Furniture Export and Import (2025-2026)
Iran
Reality: Ranked 53rd globally, $180 million in official exports plus at least $250 million unofficially (mainly to Iraq, Afghanistan, Armenia, and Tajikistan).
Strengths: Low labor costs, premium timber in the north and west, creative designers, proximity to a 120-million market in the region.
Weaknesses: Banking sanctions, lack of global brands, shortage of high-quality MDF, high transportation costs to Europe.
Leading companies: Hyper (largest producer in the north), Gami, Nilper, Liv, Rad System, Tabriz Wooden Decoration.
Golden opportunity 2025-2026: Iraq (at least $1 billion annual demand), Iraqi Kurdistan, Armenia (new market post-peace agreement), Qatar and Oman (via Bandar Abbas and bypassing sanctions using Emirati firms).
Iraq
Reality: Net importer, buying $2.8 to $3.2 billion of furniture annually (22nd largest importer worldwide).
Demand: 85% mid-range and cheap furniture, 15% luxury for Baghdad and Erbil.
Main source countries: Turkey 48%, Iran 27%, China 20%.
Opportunity: Still has 700,000 incomplete housing units + Mosul and Basra reconstruction.
Best entry strategy: Participate in Erbil and Baghdad exhibitions, direct agencies in Sulaymaniyah and Baghdad, trucking transport.
Russia
Reality: Before the war, ranked 22nd among exporters, now fallen below $500 million.
Resources: World's largest timber reserves, but 90% of factories are idle or semi-idle.
Domestic demand: 85 million housing units need renovation, but purchasing power has fallen.
Real opportunity for Iran: Export via Astrakhan and Anzali ports (no banking sanctions), office and hospital furniture (Russia faces severe shortages), collaborating with Kazakh and Belarusian companies to bypass sanctions.
Turkey
Reality: 8th globally, $7.8 billion in exports in 2024, targeting $12 billion by 2030.
Main regions: İnegöl-Kayseri (70% of production), Istanbul (design and luxury sector).
Major companies: Istikbal, Bellona, Enza Home, Doğtaş, Koleksiyon (luxury).
Competitive advantage: Zero tariffs to Europe, three-day shipping to the Middle East, strong branding.
Threat to Iran: Almost dominates markets in Iraq and Azerbaijan; production cost only 10-15% higher than Iran, but with much higher quality and brand recognition.
China
Reality: 39% of global exports; key cities are Shunde, Foshan, and Anji.
Major companies: Oppein, Qumei, Markor, Zuoyou, Manwah (recliner chairs).
Prices: Basic three-seater sofa $120-180 FOB, unbeatable in the mid-range segment.
Trend shift in 2025: Rising shipping costs and US tariffs have led many buyers to turn to Vietnam and Turkey — presenting an opportunity for Iran in nearby markets.
English-Speaking Countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia)
USA: The world's largest importer ($34 billion), 70% from China and Vietnam, only 30% domestic production.
Major companies: Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, Wayfair (online), IKEA USA.
Real opportunity: Handmade luxury furniture, products made from Iranian walnut and oak (rising demand), smart and ergonomic office furniture.
Challenge: Strict TB117 and CARB standards, shipping container costs $9,500-12,000, minimum order of 3-5 containers.
Best entry: Work with Emirati or Turkish companies as intermediaries, attend the High Point Market exhibition (April and October).
Quick Comparison of Opportunities for an Iranian Exporter (Priority 1 to 6)
Iraq → close, cash payment, no strict standards, 35-60% profit margin
1. Armenia & Iraqi Kurdistan → new, less competition
2. Russia (via Caspian) → high volume, payment in ruble-rial
3. Qatar & Oman → luxury, payment without sanctions
4. English-speaking countries → luxury and profitable, but tough and time-consuming
5. Turkey → nearly impossible due to direct competition
Comparison and Final Analysis of Furniture Export Opportunities in 2025-2026
The best market for an Iranian exporter right now is the 'nearest thirsty market,' not the world’s largest. Iraq is by far the top priority; the shipping distance is under 1,000 km, payment is cash or at most 30 days, there’s no need for complicated European or US standards, and profit margins are 40-65%. A trailer of sofas from Isfahan to Baghdad or Erbil typically gets fully paid within 10 days.
The second real opportunity is Russia via the Caspian and Armenia; transactions can be offset in ruble-rial, Iranian timber is valuable there, and Turkey and China face much less competition on this route.
Turkey is a direct and nearly insurmountable competitor in mid-range markets, but there is still space for Iran in handmade and luxury segments. China only wins in large volume and sub-$200 prices; anyone able to offer higher quality at 20-30% extra can find buyers in Arab and Russian markets.
English-speaking countries remain the dreamland for exporters, but only for those with at least $500,000 initial capital, international certificates, and a reputable partner in Dubai or Istanbul.
Conclusion
Furniture export in the coming year will go to those who act quickly, wisely, and directly. The absolute priority is nearby, cash markets: Iraq and Kurdistan at the top, then Armenia, Russia via the Caspian, and finally, the Persian Gulf states. Every month of delay means missing at least several trailerloads of cash orders.
Three types of products remain the most profitable: classic sofa sets with velvet and beech wood, solid walnut dining tables, and ergonomic office furniture. All three have instant sales in our target markets.
The only scalable way forward is strong presence on international specialist platforms and direct connection to real buyers.
In this regard, the best opportunity for Iranian manufacturers right now is the SharMarket (Sharmarket.co) platform. SharMarket is a specialist platform focused on industry, export, and import, connecting businesses directly and focusing exclusively on real opportunities in the region and the world.
In the coming days, SharMarket will host a virtual furniture expo featuring the participation of three countries: Iran, Turkey, and Iraq, with 50 major manufacturing and trading companies. This expo will take place in seven languages: Persian, Arabic, Turkish, English, Russian, Chinese, and Kurdish, thereby enabling buyers and suppliers globally to participate online.
Practical tip: Register on Sharmarket.co today and set up your free booth. The exhibition has not begun yet, but early registration allows you to be among the first to negotiate directly with Iraqi, Turkish, Russian, and Arab buyers.
Furniture export is no longer a game of luck; it's a race of speed and intelligence. The year 2025 is the industry’s best historical window for Iranian furniture. Don’t miss the opportunity.
