The timber and furniture industry is one of the major sectors in the global economy. It serves both industrial and household needs, making it essential for construction, interior design and manufacturing. Demand for timber is constantly increasing due to urbanisation, population growth and evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and furniture.
The world’s major timber producers include Canada, the United States, Russia and Brazil. These countries have vast forest resources and export large quantities of timber to high demand countries such as China, India and various European countries.
Sustainability has become a very important factor in the timber and furniture industry. Many governments and international organisations are implementing serious regulations to prevent deforestation and promote responsible forestry practices.
Certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) ensure that timber is sourced sustainably. This shift towards environmentally friendly practices has affected the way businesses operate and the purchasing decisions of consumers.
Another important trend in the sector is the rise of e-commerce. Online furniture retailers have gained popularity by offering consumers a wide range of designs and materials at competitive prices.
Turkey has an important position in the global timber and furniture industry. With a rich history of woodworking, the country has become a major exporter of furniture to markets in Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
Turkey benefits from its strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia. This geographical advantage allows Turkey to efficiently export furniture to neighbouring regions and at the same time source raw materials from both Europe and Africa. Although the timber industry in Turkey is supported by domestic forests, wood is also imported from other countries to meet the country’s production demands.
For the timber and furniture industry, efficient logistics is of paramount importance, ensuring that raw materials and finished products reach markets safely and on time. Each of the three main modes of transport – sea, road and air – plays an important role in the industry’s supply chain.
Sea transport is the most common method used for intercontinental transport of timber and large pieces of furniture. Cargo ships can transport large quantities of lumber logs, plywood and finished furniture at relatively low costs. Ports in countries such as China, the United States and Turkey handle tonnes of timber-related products each year.
Road transport is very important for local and regional distribution. Trucks transport timber from forests to sawmills and manufacturing plants and then deliver finished furniture to retail outlets or warehouses.
Air freight, although expensive, is used for urgent or high-value furniture shipments. Luxury furniture brands, custom-made pieces and urgent orders often use air freight to ensure fast delivery. This method is often used for small, high-quality furniture products that need to reach international markets quickly.
