China has firmly established its position in the global furniture trade, emerging as a powerhouse in furniture manufacturing that has both a domestic base and an international demand. China‘s furniture market boasts a vast network of production bases arranged in specialized clusters nationwide. As per recent statistics, the number of Chinese furniture manufacturers now totals around 60,000, which are primarily dispersed in various locations across the country.
For those involved in the furniture business, whether retail or wholesale, China offers an unparalleled variety, scale, and affordability that make it a premier destination for sourcing furniture. Having said that, it is crucial to know which of these clusters can provide you with the kind of furniture you are looking for. In this article, we will explore China’s most important manufacturing hubs to help you source from the right place.
1. Xianghe
Located in the Hebei province, Xianghe stands out for housing the famous Xianghe Furniture Mall, an avenue for year-round exhibitions offering both retail and wholesale products. One finds a striking variety of furniture there, catering to different tastes, ranging from classic European styles to modern minimalist pieces.
The hub is well-known for its fast-track customization service and relatively low minimum order quantities (MOQS), which enhances its appeal for SME seeking to diversify their inventory with new products within budget.
2. Yangtze River Delta
Comprising Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces, the Yangtze River Delta specialty lies in high-end furniture thanks to a strong focus on innovative designs and a tradition of quality craftsmanship. For example, Shanghai hosts the China International Furniture Expo held every September, while Fujian consists of 3000 furniture enterprises actively exporting to the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
This eastern China hub offers major advantages in transportation, capital, skilled workers, government support, and above all, furniture owners who actively promote their products. To top it off, it’s close to major international shipping routes, which facilitates exports.
3. Bazhou
Located close to Beijing and Tianjin, Bazhou is especially attractive for budget-conscious furniture buyers looking for affordable and stylish furniture, such as metal and glass furniture, as well as office and hotel furnishings.
The fact that it is in close proximity to major northern ports confers its logistics benefits for importers seeking low-cost, functional furniture that can be shipped fast to Europe and Central Asia.
4. Chengdu
Lying to the southwest of China with Chengdu as its centre, this is a relatively lesser-known furniture manufacturing centre that especially caters to the furniture needs of second- and third-grade markets. No wonder, it’s a major sourcing hub for developing countries. A prominent factory in this area is the Quan You factory, with a turnover of 7 billion RMB per annum.
Backed up by strong regional infrastructure and a growing number of skilled workers, Chengdu’s factories offer a wide range of furniture options like mid-range residential furniture, soft furniture like sofas and beds, as well as eco-friendly furniture.
5. Foshan
Foshan stands as one of China’s leading manufacturing bases, consisting of a comprehensive industrial chain with more than 9,000 manufacturing companies and over 20,000 furniture trading companies. The Shunde district is often dubbed the Furniture Capital of China, with Lecong town hosting the Lecong International Furniture Exhibition Centre that brings together thousands of suppliers and Chinese manufacturers under one roof.
Alongside traditional export markets like Europe and the U.S., Foshan’s exports have also ventured into emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Foshan furniture cluster offers a wide range of furniture types, including traditional furniture manufacturing like solid wood furniture, office and upholstered furniture as well as custom-made furniture.
6. Anji, Zhejiang
Popularly regarded as the chair capital of China, Anji’s exclusive focus is on chair manufacturing, with over 200 chair manufacturers. It features various kinds of chairs, from office and gaming chairs to dining chairs and eco-friendly bamboo furniture with a special focus on ergonomic design and export-quality standards.
The extent of Angi’s influence and scale in the global chair market can be gauged from the reported claim that one in every three chairs had its origins in Anji.
7. Pangcun
When it comes to steel furniture, Pangcun furniture cluster holds its own, having the largest steel furniture production base in China. The cluster includes 2,000 enterprises, 8,000 sales outlets, while its export base covers over 120 countries and regions worldwide.
Pangcun’s steel furniture represents technological innovation and a rapidly transforming industry that has successfully expanded into cross-border e-commerce. Other than traditional steel furniture, the market’s production includes a broad variety of products like safes, filing cabinets, and lockers that effectively cater to the demands of private labels and brands.
Conclusion
If you are in the furniture market, understanding China’s furniture industry is vital to make the most of its offerings and source from one of the best furniture manufacturing hubs in China. China’s furniture clusters offer distinct advantages in line with your sourcing strategy.
If you are looking to tap into China’s thriving furniture market to source your next batch of furniture, we are here to help.
At EasyImex, we are geared to assist furniture businesses in the UK every step of the way, from the initial sourcing to inspections and logistics to ensure a safe and reliable journey of high-quality furniture from China. Contact us today to streamline your imports and deliver the best in furniture to your customers.
About the Author: Adam
