The Unites States of America offers great opportunities for foreign exporters who have a clear understanding of its characteristics.

The size of the American residential furniture market is over $ 40 billion (at wholesale prices). There are no borders, a single language and a single currency. Not only is the market very large, during the past decade it has been growing faster than most other countries of the developed world. It seems that this positive trend will continue. The American economy is very diversified and can accommodate a wide variety of niche products.

Furniture imports have been advancing at double-digit rates in recent years. Today, about one-third of all furniture consumed in America is produced abroad. In fact, the United States is the world’s largest furniture importer.

1. The Nature of the American Furniture Market
Size and Growth of the American Furniture Market
Suitability of Products for the American Market
Product Liability, Standards and Labeling

2. Export-readiness

3. Promotion
Attractive and Informative Promotional Literature in English.
Furniture Exhibitions
Advertising in the Trade Press
Internet and E-Commerce
Promotional Direct Mailings
How to Establish a First Contact with a Targeted Client/Partner?
Invite Prospective Clients to Visit your Factory

4. Distribution Channels
Direct to Furniture Retailer(s)
Direct Sales to Consumers (End-users)
Buying Groups
Direct to OEM
Use of an Import-Distributor
Interior Designers
Selling to the Hospitality Market
Establish your Own US Sales Organization and Distribution Network
Manufacturing in the USA and Other Non-conventional Exporting Channels

5. Export Logistics and Costs
Ocean Shipping
Custom Clearance, Tariffs and Fine-distribution
Damages and Defects

6. Export Financing

Appendix: Standard Setting/Testing Institutions