12 June 2025
As Vietnam cements its status as a leading global furniture exporter, the country’s demand for leather and synthetic upholstery materials is growing rapidly. From sofas and recliners to office chairs and lounge seating, Vietnamese manufacturers are sourcing large volumes of furniture leather, PU, PVC, and microfiber to meet international orders—particularly from the U.S. market. For global suppliers, now is an opportune time to export furniture materials to Vietnam, especially those focused on surface materials and trims used in upholstery.
The surge in production has created a steady pipeline of material demand from Vietnam’s furniture industry, with factories seeking both reliable volume suppliers and innovative finishes to stand out in a competitive export landscape. This article explores recent shifts in U.S. furniture import data, revealing how Vietnam and neighboring Southeast Asian countries are gaining ground. For companies supplying leather, fabrics, or synthetics, Vietnam represents a high-potential market for long-term growth and sourcing partnerships.
Vietnam and Cambodia Surge Ahead: A Deep Dive into U.S. Furniture Imports in 2024
The global furniture supply chain has experienced seismic shifts over the past few years, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving trade policies, and intensifying geopolitical dynamics. The latest 2024 data from the U.S. International Trade Commission reveals a changing landscape in American furniture imports—one that signals the growing power of Southeast Asian economies, especially Vietnam and Cambodia.
The U.S. Furniture Import Landscape at a Glance
In 2024, the total value of U.S. furniture imports reached $25.5 billion, a 7% increase compared to $23.9 billion in 2023. This rebound reflects broader post-pandemic recovery trends and shifting supply chain strategies as American buyers diversify their sourcing networks.
Vietnam: Leading the Pack with Sustainable Growth
Vietnam has once again solidified its position as the top furniture exporter to the U.S., with export values soaring to $9.4 billion—a dramatic increase of nearly $2 billion year-over-year. This resurgence brings Vietnam close to its pandemic-era peak of $9.7 billion in 2022.
What’s Driving Vietnam’s Growth?
Malaysia: A Rising Star
Malaysia’s furniture exports to the U.S. climbed 7%, exceeding $1 billion and reinforcing its place as a high-potential market. Stability—both political and economic—makes Malaysia a preferred destination for relocated supply chains.
Al Bolton, Executive Director of High Point Market and Head of Global Sourcing Pavilion, commented, suggests that Malaysia’s export value to the U.S. could grow double digits over the next 3–5 years, especially if more sofa manufacturers shift production there.
Cambodia: Gaining Ground Quickly
Cambodia entered the top 10 list with a 19% increase, reaching $382 million in exports to the U.S. This places it just behind Thailand, which had only a modest 1% growth (to $399 million).
Cambodia’s low labor costs and proximity to established supply chain hubs are turning it into a strategic choice for manufacturers looking to hedge geopolitical risk and optimize costs.
China: Holding Position, but Losing Momentum
China retained its second-place position in U.S. furniture imports, with exports totaling $5.94 billion—a figure that’s virtually unchanged from 2023. The minimal growth of just $5 million reflects a plateau in China’s dominance, exacerbated by:
North American Neighbors: Declining Influence
Both Mexico and Canada, traditionally major sources of U.S. furniture imports, saw a decline in 2024:
Why the drop? Despite geographic proximity and tariff advantages under USMCA, both countries face secondary effects from U.S. tariff policies. Asian goods often pass through Mexico or Canada before entering the U.S., complicating trade flows and affecting recorded figures.
India: Infrastructure Holds Back Potential
India, though among the top 10 exporters, experienced another year of decline. After a 21% drop in 2023, India’s exports fell an additional 1% in 2024.
The country faces logistics challenges, particularly in getting goods from inland factories to coastal ports. Despite having a large, affordable labor force and government support, India’s infrastructure gap remains a bottleneck for the furniture sector.
Conclusion: Southeast Asia Becomes the Furniture Sourcing Powerhouse
The 2024 U.S. furniture import data confirms what many in the industry have long anticipated: Southeast Asia is becoming the new global sourcing hub. As Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia rise as dominant furniture export hubs, there’s never been a better time to embed your brand in the heart of Southeast Asia’s manufacturing engine.
APLF ASEAN is a platform for material suppliers to showcase and build strategic partnerships across the region.
Learn more and apply to exhibit or visit → APLF ASEAN Vietnam 2025
We bring leather, material and fashion businesses together: an opportunity to meet and greet face to face. We bring them from all parts of the world so that they can find fresh partners, discover new customers or suppliers and keep ahead of industry developments.
We organise a number of trade exhibitions which focus on fashion and lifestyle: sectors that are constantly in flux, so visitors and exhibitors alike need to be constantly aware both of the changes around them and those forecast for coming seasons.
