Poland has cemented its position as Europe's largest furniture exporter and the world's third biggest, with exports topping $11 billion last year. But a looming threat on the horizon could upend this success story.
Why the US Matters
The United States is one of the biggest markets for Polish furniture, accounting for a significant slice of the $11 billion export haul. Now, proposed U.S. tariffs of up to 50% risk derailing growth, putting tens of thousands of jobs on the line and straining U.S.-Polish trade ties.
A Family Business in the Crosshairs
Take NOTI, a two-decade-old family producer near Poznań. CEO Dominik Czylkowski says the U.S. market 'is a big partnership for us' and fears that sudden tariffs could push the company into uncertainty. 'We have to solve the issue together … until we find the best solution for us, but mainly for our customers,' he explains.
National Impact
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warns that new tariffs could shave up to 0.43% off Poland's GDP. For an economy already navigating post-pandemic recovery and global supply-chain shifts, the stakes are high.
Pain or Perspective?
Not everyone expects a crash. Jozef Szyszka of MEBLE POLSKA fair in Poznań points out that the U.S. market is worth roughly $500 million to Polish exporters. 'So this small amount in the U.S. shall not influence them much,' he says, noting that producers are turning their eyes toward other regions to keep the wheels spinning.
The Road Ahead
With diplomacy on the back burner, industry leaders are weighing a major pivot: diversifying export destinations to reduce reliance on U.S. buyers. As global trade dynamics shift, Poland's furniture makers must adapt or risk being left out in the cold.
How will Poland's furniture industry navigate these choppy waters? Share your thoughts below.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
