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EFIC was founded in 2006 and represents about the 66 % of the total production and turnover of the furniture industries in Europe The furniture sector employs about 1.5 million workers in close to companies Aim/Mission:  representing the interests of the European furniture manufacturers  Establish the best possible conditions in order to improve EU furniture market’s regulations and standards  Influence the framework so to achieve the most favourable regulatory and administrative context for the furniture industry EFIC

Euro area Uncertainty about the ability to cope with the debt crisis Confidence in the Euro has been growing since the beginning of the year No second major crisis expected Stagnation or slow growth in 2012 Economic prospects

OECD Economic Outlook 2011 Economic Outlook

The World Furniture market Source: CSIL, "World Furniture Outlook 2012", November © CSIL all rights reserved

The World Furniture market Source: CSIL, "World Furniture Outlook 2012", November © CSIL all rights reserved *preliminary

The World Furniture market Source: CSIL, "World Furniture Outlook 2012", November © CSIL all rights reserved *preliminary

The World Furniture market Source: CSIL, "World Furniture Outlook 2012", November © CSIL all rights reserved

FACTS & FIGURES UE 27 Member States:  27 % world furniture production  28 % world furniture consumption  45 % world furniture exports  46 % world furniture imports Western Europe:  A third of world furniture production  Half of world furniture imports Eastern Europe:  EUR 16 billion of furniture production  6.2 % world furniture output European Furniture sector

ADVANTAGES flexible production that allows products to be customised high quality specifications and advanced technology superior design development of values other than price-based value (e.g. branding, buying experience) integration of pre- and after-sales services quick distribution with minimal stock keeping European Furniture sector Source: “Opportunities and challenges for a more competitive European woodworking and furniture sector”, CCMI/088, European Economic and Social Committee, October 2011

CHALLENGES Import pressure from low-cost countries Unequal competition due to labour costs, environmental and safety standards Protection of IPR Protectionists tendencies Further tightening of environmental and safety regulations Ageing labour force European Furniture sector Source: “Opportunities and challenges for a more competitive European woodworking and furniture sector”, CCMI/088, European Economic and Social Committee, October 2011