Global sourcing is shifting fast. Many buyers are nervous — tariffs rise, costs go up, and political news fuels doubt. But is walking away from China the right call?

No, for most furniture buyers, leaving China means more risk, not less. The supply chain, quality control, and export expertise here still outperform most alternatives.

In this article, I’ll break down what global buyers are doing in 2025, where the real risks lie, and what I’ve learned after 10+ years helping clients make sourcing decisions.

What percentage of U.S. goods are made in China?

Trade headlines paint a dramatic picture. But what does the data say?

In 2023, about 13–15% of all U.S. imports¹ came from China — still the largest single country source for goods like furniture, electronics, and machinery.

How that affects furniture sourcing²

In the furniture industry, especially B2B categories like office chairs and recliner sofas, China continues to lead. Many U.S. buyers rely on Anji, Foshan, and Jiaxing as key sourcing bases. Products like ergonomic mesh chairs and KD recliner sets are hard to match elsewhere in terms of cost, quality, and speed.

Even with tariff pressure, buyers often keep main orders in China and test alternatives cautiously. That tells us something: China remains deeply embedded in global furniture supply chains.

What Are the Hidden Costs of Leaving China?

It’s easy to think switching countries will save money. But what buyers discover is often the opposite.

Leaving China too fast usually leads to slower production, lower consistency, and hidden logistics costs.

What buyers face when leaving China

Our factory once had a client shift to another Asian supplier. Within two shipments, they came back. Samples failed CA117. Boxes lacked label specs. Deadlines slipped. Their biggest buyer canceled a reorder.

Buyers don’t just lose money — they lose time, reputation, and clients. That’s the real cost of leaving too soon.

Why Are Some Buyers Leaving China in 2025?

The motivations vary, but the pattern is familiar.

Buyers are under pressure from tariffs, corporate strategy shifts, or political factors — not always because of product quality.

What forces are pushing buyers?

• New U.S. tariffs³ (up to 105% on select Chinese goods)
• “China +1” diversification policies by multinationals
• Rising wages in East China
• ESG or political risk concerns at the corporate level

That pressure leads to sourcing teams trying Vietnam, India, or Malaysia. Some shift non-core SKUs, some trial new vendors.

But few walk away completely — because rebuilding supply chain knowledge from scratch is expensive and risky. Especially when you need BIFMA, EN1335, KD packaging, and full compliance.

How Are Global Buyers Managing Their Supply in 2025?

Few buyers leave entirely. Many evolve.

Most global buyers are splitting sourcing across multiple locations, but keeping high-risk SKUs or core categories in China.

What we see at QYRASIEL

Buyers adapt, but they don’t blindly relocate. Instead, they balance between risk and control. China remains the foundation — while flexible testing happens around it.

What’s the Real Risk in Changing Suppliers?

Some think tariffs or costs are the biggest risk. I disagree.

The real risk is working with a supplier who can’t deliver consistently — no matter where they’re based.

What we’ve learned

At QYRASIEL, we’ve supported buyers who needed to:

• Pass fire-retardant testing (CA117)
• Meet urgent restocking schedules
• Control CBM to save 15–25% on logistics
• Customize branding with fast sampling

What they value most is not just price — it’s speed, reliability, and clean communication. Many buyers who tried switching to newer suppliers came back within 6 months after realizing how fragile new setups can be.

Is Leaving China Really Worth It for Furniture Buyers?

Every buyer is under pressure. But leaving China completely is rarely the winning move.

The smartest buyers are not rushing to leave — they’re choosing better partners inside China.

My perspective after 10+ years

🧠 What I’ve Learned After 10+ Years in B2B Furniture Export

What buyers really need isn’t just lower prices — it’s fewer surprises.

Here’s what I’ve learned from our clients in South America, Europe, and the Middle East:

✅ They don’t want to leave China — they just want more predictability, better communication, and fewer quality issues.
🔍 Clients who tried switching to new markets often came back to us. Why? Because they faced longer development times, missing certifications, or weak packaging that caused losses on arrival.
🪑 Our buyers aren’t just buying chairs — they’re buying trust. They need a factory that knows what CA117 means, who understands labeling for retail shelves, and who responds within 12 hours.

At QYRASIEL, we always ask clients:

• Who is the end customer — staff or executive?
• What certifications are required in your market?
• How much CBM are you trying to save?
• Do you need private branding, or just a safe reorder?

The best suppliers don’t just make products. They help buyers make better decisions.

So when buyers ask me, “Is it time to leave China?”
I say: It’s time to choose better in China, not blindly leave it.

– Judy Jiang
Founder & Sales Director, Qiyue Furniture

Conclusion

Furniture sourcing is changing fast, but the foundation of success remains the same: good products, reliable suppliers, and clear communication.

If you’re wondering whether to shift away from China — ask not just where you’re buying, but who you’re buying from.
And if you’re looking for a partner who understands export, quality control, and buyer needs — we’d be glad to talk.