See the results of the actions promoted by the Brazilian Furniture Project during NYCxDESIGN
From May 15 to 20, Brazil’s furniture industry and design community took center stage in the United States during NYCxDESIGN – New York Design Week, one of the world’s leading platforms for showcasing innovative products, concepts, and creative solutions to the North American and global markets. In 2025, the Brazilian presence was once again marked by a strategic agenda led by ABIMÓVEL (Brazilian Furniture Manufacturers Association), in partnership with ApexBrasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency). The program included the exhibition of Brazilian brands and designers at the ICFF – International Contemporary Furniture Fair, as well as a dedicated Trade Mission with international business meetings.
One of the most prominent events on the NYCxDESIGN calendar, this year’s ICFF adopted the theme “Designing in Harmony”, inviting the industry to reflect on contemporary design not only as an aesthetic language but as a tool for connection between industry, culture, technology, well-being, and social and environmental responsibility.
In this context, through the Brazilian Furniture Project, Brazil presented an engaging, diverse, and forward-thinking cross-section of its furniture production, with the participation of 33 companies and 12 designers from different regions of the country, representing a variety of scales and creative approaches.
Highlights from the Brazilian agenda included:
The Brazilian Pavilion at ICFF, held from May 18 to 20 at the main entrance of the Javits Center, where companies launched new collections in line with global design and furniture trends;
The “Design + Industry” exhibition, showcasing original pieces developed through collaborations between Brazilian designers and manufacturers, focused on creativity, authenticity, and sustainability;
And the ICFF 2025 Trade Mission, held on May 15 and 16 at the Consulate General of Brazil in New York, facilitating curated business meetings between Brazilian brands and invited international buyers.
The results of this multi-pronged approach reaffirm the strength and consistency of Brazil’s internationalization strategy. Across the three actions, nearly 2,860 business contacts were generated — with more than 94% being new connections — and business deals (closed and forecasted) exceeding USD 126.8 million.
Brazilian Industry and Design in Harmony with Global Markets
According to Cândida Cervieri, Executive Director at ABIMÓVEL, “The cross-cutting approach of the Brazilian Furniture Project — integrating institutional promotion with commercial opportunities — reinforces the positioning of Brazilian design as a strategic asset for the competitiveness of our industry and for strengthening the global image of our companies and country.” A sentiment that was fully confirmed during the fair.
The key trends highlighted at ICFF 2025 pointed to the growing demand for design that places the user at the heart of the creative process — combining comfort, function, quality, and aesthetic value with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Brazil rose to the occasion with pieces that embraced organic and generous forms, tactile finishes, and the integration of sustainable materials such as certified wood, natural fibers, eco-friendly textiles, and recyclable composites.
Innovative uses of traditional craft techniques, including weaving and precision woodworking, also drew attention — especially for their combination with contemporary forms and refined detailing. The “Design + Industry” exhibition underscored the creative and productive power of these collaborations, showcasing pieces that successfully translate Brazilian cultural richness into internationally appealing, high-value design.
This level of maturity did not go unnoticed: two Brazilian creations were recognized with major international awards during the fair. The Balance table by ArboReal received the “Best in Show” title at the ICFF Editors Awards, while the Caju armchair, developed by Feeling Estofados, was awarded Best Seating at the NKBA-Manhattan Inspire Awards, hosted by Aspire magazine. These recognitions reaffirm the competitive edge of Brazilian design in one of the world’s most demanding markets, validating the industry’s investment in combining cultural identity with innovation and industrial excellence.
“ICFF 2025 was an opportunity to consolidate the work we’ve been doing with companies and designers over the past few years. More than just numbers, we strengthened a position. Brazil presented a creative, innovative, and globally connected industry — ready to compete strategically, with sustainability and identity, amid new global trade dynamics. Being in New York with such a strong presence reinforces the value of Brazilian industry and design,” adds Cândida Cervieri.
Next stop: Brasília Design Week 2025
The “Design + Industry” exhibition will be on display again from June 17 to 24, at the Museu Nacional da República, as part of the official programming of Brasília Design Week 2025 (BDW) – see more details here.
Brazilian Furniture Project
The Brazilian Furniture Project is a sectoral initiative by ABIMÓVEL in partnership with ApexBrasil. Its goal is to expand the international presence of Brazil’s furniture industry through a strategic set of actions grounded in sustainability, competitiveness, and design integration. Currently, around 175 companies are engaged in the project.
In 2024, Brazil ranked as the sixth-largest furniture and mattress producer in the world and the 26th largest exporter, generating over US$ 763.02 million in revenue from finished products — a 3.8% increase compared to 2023. Including parts for furniture manufacturing, the total reached US$ 870.20 million.
In this new cycle (2025–2026), the organizers invite not only furniture manufacturers and designers, but also suppliers and component producers to join the project, further amplifying the reach of Brazilian furniture and reinforcing the global competitiveness of the “Brazil” brand.
To join the project and showcase your brand at major industry events around the world, visit: brazilianfurniture.org.br.
About ABIMÓVEL
ABIMÓVEL (The Brazilian Furniture Industry Association) has represented the national furniture industry for nearly five decades. Acting from north to south, the organization works to strengthen the sector through a forward-looking agenda in partnership with public and private stakeholders. Its initiatives aim to boost production, improve the business environment, and expand access to international markets. These efforts include international trade shows, business matchmaking events, export programs, sustainability actions, integrated design projects, factory modernization, support for small businesses, and commercial intelligence programs.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and attract foreign investments to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. In order to achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out several trade promotion initiatives aimed at promoting Brazilian products and services abroad, such as prospective and trade missions, business rounds, support to the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, visits of foreign buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, among other business platforms that also aim at strengthening the Brazil brand.
The Agency also acts in a coordinated way with public and private players to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil with a focus on strategic sectors for the development of the competitiveness of Brazilian companies and the country.
FURNITURE: OUR BUSINESS.
Brazilian Furniture Industry Association – ABIMÓVEL
Press Office: press@abimovel.com
