The share of imported furniture in Russian market sales is projected to fall to below 15% by the end of 2023. This forecast comes from Denis Egorov, the general director of Lazurit, who emphasizes how the domestic market remains resilient even under tightening conditions around sanctions and cross-border trade.
Even before sanctions tightened and borders narrowed, the Russian furniture sector was showing steady growth while imports ceded market share. Several factors contribute to this shift: lower prices for local products, easier access to information about manufacturers, longer product warranties, and a growing array of services such as complimentary interior design consultations. These elements collectively boost consumer confidence in domestically produced furniture and encourage longerterm commitments from buyers.
Data from the Russian Association of Enterprises of the Furniture and Woodworking Industry show a dramatic contraction in the influence of imported furniture from 2019 to 2022, dropping from 49% of sales to 24%. This halving highlights a structural change in the sector where domestic producers captured a substantial portion of demand previously satisfied by imports.
The widening gap between international logistics costs and fluctuating exchange rates has made imported furniture more expensive relative to locally manufactured goods. As a result, Russian producers have gained price momentum and competitive advantage, filling the space left by imports and expanding distribution across the country. This dynamic is reinforced by adjustments in supply chains and the prioritization of local sourcing where feasible, allowing manufacturers to stabilize pricing and improve availability for consumers.
Industry observers also note a noticeable uptick in the cost of furniture production in Russia. Projections indicate a rise in overall production costs by a notable margin by year’s end, which in turn is expected to steer retail prices higher. Reports point to material and accessory costs already increasing at a significant pace, contributing to the broader trend of higher final prices for consumers. In parallel, manufacturers are responding with efficiency improvements, product simplifications where appropriate, and an emphasis on value-added services that help retain customer loyalty amid price changes.
Earlier analyses flagged ongoing growth in Moscow’s furniture production, underscoring the city’s role as a hub for design, manufacturing efficiency, and retail integration. These developments suggest that the domestic sector is maturing, with producers leveraging scale, improved logistics, and closer ties with retailers to meet evolving consumer preferences. As the landscape evolves, players in the market are increasingly focused on quality control, after-sales support, and transparent information about product origins, all of which support sustainable growth for domestic brands and help to sustain consumer trust even as prices adjust.