Building finishes: exports down in the first quarter

Exports from the building finishes sector (wooden flooring, wooden and wood-aluminium windows, interior doors and front doors) are slowing down: in the first quarter of the year, according to data compiled by FederlegnoArredo’s research centre, exports exceeded €90 million, down by around 8% compared with the same period in 2025, which had been the sector’s best-ever result. Companies’ expectations for the rest of the year remain cautious: the sector forecasts a moderate decline in turnover (-3.8%) for 2026.

The figures were presented during the annual general meeting of EdilegnoArredo, the association which, within FederlegnoArredo, represents Italian companies in the finishes sector and which re-elected Andrea Bazzichetto as president for the four-year term 2026–2030. The general meeting also provided an opportunity to take stock of the sector’s performance, which in 2025 recorded a production turnover of over 4.3 billion euros (+0.4% compared with the previous year). The domestic market, which accounts for around 90% of total production value, remained broadly stable (-0.6%) despite the scaling back of tax incentives. The overall result was driven primarily by exports, which grew by 10.1% to reach €453 million.

“The finishes sector has undergone a profound transformation. Today, we are not just competing on product quality, but on our ability to offer integrated solutions, engage with the design world and interpret new ways of living. This is what will determine the competitiveness of our companies in the coming years,” said Bazzichetto.

On the international front, the outlook is influenced both by the international geopolitical context and by a comparison with the strong growth recorded in 2025, which was also linked to significant one-off contracts in certain markets. The domestic market appears to be more resilient, thanks above all to the contract segment and demand linked to public works, particularly schools, hospitals and community facilities. On the regulatory front, the sector remains attentive to developments in European trade policies, with particular reference to market defence measures and the issue of international competition.

During the general meeting, the Executive Committee of EdilegnoArredo was elected for the forthcoming term of office, 2026–2030. Its members are Renza Altoè (director responsible for the Wooden Flooring Group), Manuel Barausse (director responsible for the Internal Doors Group), Antonella Damiani (director responsible for the Windows Group), Emanuela Tesio (director responsible for the Entrance Doors Group), Giuseppe Sandrini (director responsible for the Street Furniture Group), Pietro Antonini, Gianmaria Dorigo, Roberto Galli, Lorenzo Onofri, Andrea Signoretti, Fabrizio Re and Marino De Santa.