German kitchen furniture industry sees further stabilisation|JINHANFAIR Industry News

2026.09.29

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The German kitchen furniture industry recorded further signs of stabilisation during the first seven months of 2026, with sales rising by 2% year on year to around €3.4 billion.

According to the Association of the German Kitchfen Furniture Industry (VdDK), the 43 manufacturers covered by the latest statistics employ around 17,300 people. Export sales increased by 2.8% to approximately €1.6 billion, while domestic sales rose by 1.4% to around €1.8 billion. The export ratio increased from 46.2% to 46.7%. In July alone, sales rose by almost 9% to €466 million. Jan Kurth, managing director of the VdDK, said the industry was seeing a stabilisation in demand but remained cautious given the wider economic environment.

Orders continue to strengthen

Between January and August 2026, the value of incoming orders was 1.9% above the previous year's level, according to VdDK figures. By unit volume, orders increased by 0.7%.

Export performance across key European markets remained mixed. Exports to France, the industry's largest export market, fell by 1.9% to €294.5 million, while exports to the UK declined by 4.6%. Increases were recorded in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain.

Outside Europe, exports to South Korea increased by 20.8%, moving the country from 12th to ninth among Germany's key export markets. Exports to China fell by 20.6%, while exports to the US declined by 37.5%. The VdDK attributed the US decline partly to uncertainty surrounding import tariffs.

Housing and costs remain challenges

The industry continues to face weak consumer spending and declining residential construction. An Ifo Institute forecast cited by the VdDK expects completed homes in Germany to fall to 185,000 in 2026 before rising slightly from 2027. The association also highlighted higher costs for transport, wood-based panels, metal components and plastics, linked partly to uncertainty in raw material markets.

Growing regulatory requirements and a shortage of skilled workers are additional challenges. The sector has responded with initiatives including the Werre-Quartier Boardinghouse Löhne, which provides 30 furnished rooms for trainees and skilled workers.

Modest growth expected

For 2026, the VdDK expects German kitchen furniture sales to increase by a low single-digit percentage. The association said the stable order situation and improving demand in several European markets point towards a gradual market recovery following three consecutive years of declining sales.