High Point Market takes place twice a year in High Point, North Carolina, USA, in April and October, transforming the city into a true “city of furniture, home decor, design, and interior lighting.”
For years it has been a prime destination for top manufacturers and designers worldwide, who showcase their high-quality product selections here. With its reputation for excellence and innovation, High Point Market is a must-attend event, not only for those looking to furnish their homes with style and elegance but also for those seeking networking and business opportunities on an international scale.
The team from Savino Del Bene Furniture arrived on October 24, a few days before the official opening of the exhibition halls, with industry specialists ready to offer the best-customized solutions for international logistics and shipping.
2024 Market Trends
Initial forecasts predicted 2024 to be a challenging year for the industry, especially for North American buyers and consumers. Real estate transactions entered a stagnation phase due higher interest rates. Inventory levels remained high, which kept supply volumes from various regions that typically serve the North American market on standby during the first half of the year.
In the Mediterranean area, restricted passage through the Suez Canal impacted service offerings from shipping lines, also affecting transatlantic routes.
However, the market showed resilience, particularly in the high-end segment, where Italy leads the way. June and July saw a peak in orders, mainly driven by efforts to mitigate impacts of anticipated strikes at East Coast U.S. ports. Fortunately, the labor stoppage lasted only three days, and disruptions were limited.
Toward the end of the year, the rise in rates on the transatlantic route indicates strong sales and steady shipping volumes. By contrast, the transpacific route remains volatile.
2025 Outlook
Following the U.S. election period, from a shipping perspective, a further surge in U.S. import demand is expected in the short term. Shippers with non-time-sensitive goods may increase imports ahead of potential new tariffs. In the long term, import dynamics may shift further, as seen with Chinese goods in recent years increasingly routed through Mexico.
Some analysts, however, foresee a potential negative impact on U.S. exports due to retaliatory tariffs, which could exacerbate the imbalance between flows of loaded and empty containers. Additionally, upcoming negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) raise concerns over a potential strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports starting in January.
These were some of the key topics at High Point Market, where exporters and importers sought solutions to optimize and improve the efficiency of their supply chains.
Would you like to know more?
Contact our representatives to learn how Savino Del Bene can support your business and projects on a global scale. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of logistics, so you can focus on what matters most: your décor products and your clients.
