In the first half of 2023, the production of wooden tables for educational institutions showed a notable uptick. Specifically, between January and July, factory output of desks and tables for schools and universities rose by 67.3 percent, while the segment aimed at kindergartens and other preschool facilities climbed by 70.9 percent. This growth update came from the director of Roslesinforga, Pavel Chashchin, and was relayed to socialbites.ca through the agency’s press service. The figures reflect a broader shift in the domestic furniture market as foreign suppliers retreat and Russian manufacturers step in to fill the gap left by international players.
By August 1, the total number of tables had reached 365.9 thousand, with preschool and kindergarten tables accounting for 86.3 thousand units. The surge in production aligns with a wider trend of expanding domestic capacity in the furniture sector, driven in part by the absence of major overseas producers and the increased demand from educational and childcare facilities seeking reliable local supply chains.
Chashchin commented that the departure of large foreign furniture producers, including those in the children’s segment, created room for rapid growth in homegrown manufacturing. In the seven months of 2023, overall furniture production rose by 8.3 percent in physical terms and by 15.5 percent in monetary terms, reaching 228.8 billion rubles. Within this period, the output of wooden children’s furniture increased by 15 percent, totaling about 486,000 pieces. These numbers illustrate a robust shift toward meeting domestic needs with products that prioritize safety and local compliance.
The scope of children’s products under discussion includes items such as headphones designed for youngsters, wooden furniture sets for children, playground equipment, toy storage boxes, storage cabinets, shelves, and child-sized chairs. The market features more than 300 manufacturers across Russia, with a concentration of facilities in the central region and the Volga region. Materials commonly used for educational and preschool furniture include birch, spruce, and pine boards and sheets, processed to high safety standards suitable for environments used by young learners.
Policy actions from the Government of the Russian Federation are shaping the competitive landscape for children’s furniture. Plans are underway to amend the Tax Code with the aim of reducing the value-added tax rate to 10 percent for manufacturers of children’s furniture, car seats, diapers, and other related goods. The State Duma is expected to review the bill in September, a move that could further encourage domestic production and investment in this sector. These policy shifts align with broader goals to strengthen national manufacturing capacity and ensure steadier access to essential goods for families and institutions alike.
Experts note that the trend toward increased local production has also been supported by performance improvements in Moscow’s furniture industry, hinting at a diffusion of manufacturing capability from national hubs to other regions. As the market evolves, schools, kindergartens, and households may benefit from a broader array of affordable, locally produced items that meet defined safety and quality standards. The ongoing balance between policy measures, market demand, and supply chain resilience will likely shape the trajectory of children’s furniture and related products for years to come. This shift highlights the strategic importance of domestic manufacturing in meeting public sector needs and supporting family welfare through better access to child-friendly furniture and equipment. [citation needed]