More than 35% of Brazilian furniture sold to USA

Data from the Brazilian Association of Furniture Industries (Abimovel) indicates that the United States is the primary buyer of Brazilian wood-based furniture. The sector’s latest report reveals that in 2021, the United States held a share of 35.7% of exports by Brazilian furniture companies. In total, Brazil’s exports of furniture and mattresses reached $937.9 million that year.

On the global furniture scale, Brazil ranks as the 6th largest producer. According to Abimovel, the country stood out at the 2023 edition of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, considered the largest contemporary furniture trade show in North America, held in May this year. In addition to the United States, Brazil sells to 167 other destinations, including Chile (11.6% of exports), the United Kingdom (7.2%), Uruguay (6.8%), and Peru (5.7%).

In addition to furniture, the United States is one of Brazil’s top buyers of mechanically processed wood. According to information from the Brazilian Association of Mechanically Processed Wood Industry (Abimci), the United States is the largest buyer of wood frames and flooring. This market accounts for 5.8% of the country’s exports, with a trade value of approximately $3.6 billion.

See below Brazil’s exports of furniture to the United States between Jan 2019 and Aug 2023. The data is from DataLiner.

Furniture exports to US | Jan 2019 – Aug 2023 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Dayane Marta Seminotti, a lawyer and legal consultant with 11 years of experience in the field of furniture and wood exports, explains that the first step for a company looking to export products in these sectors is to follow the regulations required by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which is affiliated with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and oversees the importation of wood into the United States.

“This organization regulates various aspects of the market, such as the requirement for specific wood treatments, like kiln drying or chemicals,” she comments.

She further explains that other permits need to be obtained by sellers to gain authorization for export by the U.S. government. However, the rules can vary according to each state’s legislation within the country.

“Before planning the export, it is critical to understand the rules of the destination state you are negotiating with.” The container’s weight limit is determined by the port of disembarkation of the goods due to the maximum weight limit allowed on each state’s highways,” she adds.

A substantial number of ports make the United States the preferred destination for Brazilian furniture and wood.

According to lawyer Dayane Marta Seminotti, the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, and Arrival Notice, which is related to the moment the product arrives at the U.S. port, are among the documents required for those wishing to sell furniture and wood to the United States.

She emphasizes that, in addition to the technical aspects necessary for exporting to that country, one advantage of this destination is its large number of ports. “This is a favorable factor when determining how the wood will be sent to the consumer/business partner. This is further compounded by the fact that Brazil has an extensive territorial expanse and, consequently, several regions dedicated to pine reforestation,” she says.

Seminotti also highlights that companies operating in this sector must invest in tools that can give them a prominent position internationally. “Certifications like those offered by the Forest Stewardship Council, for example, are a differentiator when it comes to wood exports because they certify forest management, chain of custody, and product traceability. In addition, investment in skilled professionals, both technically and legally, is needed to ensure the competitiveness of companies in this sector,” she concludes.

Source: Terra

To read the original publication, please visit: https://www.terra.com.br/noticias/mais-de-35-dos-moveis-brasileiros-sao-vendidos-para-os-eua,22141219a9bc0baf7e081ff174290fa8vytzb490.html

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