Dive Brief:
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When the demand for homes goes up, so does the market for bedroom furniture. JOC.com, which tracks the container shipping industry, reported Friday that U.S. imports of wooden bedroom furniture have increased every quarter for a year.
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Imports by dollar value were up by 4.6% in the first quarter of 2014 and 8.8% in the second. JOC economists predicted the pace would continue to grow.
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Vietnam is the largest supplier of imported wooden bedroom furniture to the U.S. Imports from that country increased by 8% since last year.
Dive Insight:
JOC economist Mario Moreno said an increase in mortgage interest rates could dampen growth in demand for furniture next year if they slow the pace of home sales.