Despite reports that U.S. office furniture growth slowed in August, the year-end outlook for the industry continues to be positive, with North American manufacturers anticipating close to 10 percent increases in both production and consumption. According to the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Assn., 2006 office furniture production is expected to rise an estimated 8.6 percent over 2005 figures, to almost $10.9 billion. Similarly, consumption will show approximately 9.5 percent growth over last year's rates, to $13.0 billion. (See chart on page 54.) Consumption is defined as production plus imports, minus exports.
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