STOCKHOLM / Reuters – IKEA, world’s most popular furniture retailer, has announced that it will raise its prices an average of 9% to meet rising costs for transporting raw materials.

IKEA previously stated that it leases more ships and buys containers to reduce supply chain disruptions. However, IKEA now says it is having to pass these costs on to customers as the company expects the turbulence will continue.

Ingka Group predicted that average prices in its markets would rise by 9%, but local variations will reflect inflationary pressures such as commodity supply chain problems and different commodities.

“Unfortunately now, for the first time since higher costs have begun to affect the global economy, we have to pass parts of those increased costs onto our customers,” Retail Operations Manager Tolga Öncü said.

The group stated that “IKEA still faces significant transport and material constraints, driving up costs,” adding that disruptions would continue into the future.

Ingka Group saw strong demand as more people stayed home during the pandemic.

It is operated through a franchise network, Ingka being Inter IKEA’s main franchisee. The brand has 392 stores (including city-based stores) and 73 smaller stores.