This Is How China Became the World's Largest Furniture Exporter
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Indonesian furniture entrepreneurs believe the industry’s core strength lies in building interconnected industrial ecosystems. China, the world’s leading furniture exporter with $36 billion in exports in 2024, has already implemented this approach.
“The true power lies in building an ecosystem that enables all industry players to operate more efficiently, productively, and competitively,” said Abdul Sobur, Chairman of the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (HIMKI), on Friday, 29 May 2026.
During his visit to Nankang, Jiangxi province, China, he described Nankang as a clear example of how a region can become a global furniture hub through an integrated supply chain. From raw materials, production machinery, design, logistics, vocational education, digital trade to government support, all elements work in harmony.
This system is highly relevant for Indonesia, especially as the domestic furniture and craft industry is often viewed as traditional. In reality, the sector holds strategic importance by producing high-value products while employing large numbers of workers.
Sobur highlighted the extensive economic chain within Indonesia’s furniture industry, involving timber farmers, artisans, machine operators, designers, finishers, and distribution and marketing personnel.
“The furniture and craft sector is a labour-intensive industry capable of absorbing a large workforce,” he said.
Moreover, the furniture industry has wide-ranging multiplier effects, connected to forestry, plantations, trade, creative economy, and tourism. Beyond economic contributions, furniture and crafts represent Indonesia’s national identity in global markets.
“Furniture and crafts are Indonesia’s face to the world,” he added.
Indonesia possesses strong foundations to become a global furniture and craft hub, with abundant raw materials, traditional craftsmanship, cultural diversity, and a large domestic market—advantages that few nations can match.
“Industrial success does not stem from a single policy or large company. It emerges from consistent ecosystem-building over years,” he stated.
Sobur also stressed that Indonesia need not imitate other nations to become a major player in the global furniture industry. What is needed is the courage to develop a national industrial model aligned with Indonesia’s own characteristics and strengths.
“Indonesia does not need to be a second China. Indonesia must be the first Indonesia,” he said.