On March 5, 2025, the International Trade Forum took place in Kyiv, dedicated to discussing Ukraine’s new export strategy. The forum brought together representatives from the government, business sector, and international organizations, including the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers (UAFM).

Furniture Industry in the Spotlight

The furniture industry was one of the key topics actively discussed throughout the event. It was featured in the export strategy presentation by Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine and Ukraine’s Trade Representative, as well as in discussions during panel sessions.

Furniture manufacturers participated in two out of five panels, once again highlighting the importance of the industry for Ukraine’s export development.

Export Strategy: Structural Changes and New Opportunities

In his presentation, Taras Kachka emphasized that the export strategy aims not only to increase export volumes but also to facilitate structural economic transformation and technological production development.

Key objectives of the new strategy include:

• Increasing the volume of goods and services exports to $77 billion;
• Expanding the share of medium- and high-tech products in exports;
• Strengthening the presence of Ukrainian goods in Global South markets;
• Building a positive economic image of Ukraine abroad;
• Overcoming tariff and non-tariff barriers for Ukrainian exporters.

Workforce Shortage as a Barrier to Export Growth

During one of the panels, UAFM member and Head of Export at UAFM, Oksana Donska, raised the issue of a workforce shortage in the furniture industry, which currently stands at 30-40%. This deficit presents significant challenges for fulfilling export contracts and overall production development.

For UAFM, addressing the workforce shortage is a strategic priority alongside systematically increasing the export potential of the industry.

UAFM Advocates for Government Support and Business Synergy

The Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers supports the approaches outlined in the export strategy, particularly:

• Strengthening collaboration between the government and businesses;
• Developing high-quality export services;
• Promoting the Made in Ukraine brand in international markets.

UAFM will continue working to ensure that the furniture industry remains a priority in state policy and becomes one of the key symbols of Ukraine’s export breakthrough. 🚀