BEIJING, May 4 -- China's furniture industry reported a strong rebound in the first two months of 2024, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology showed.

The combined operating revenue of the country's major furniture manufacturers rose 14.9 percent year on year to 91.78 billion yuan (about 12.92 billion U.S. dollars), according to the ministry.

These companies generated total profits of 4.71 billion yuan in the same period -- skyrocketing 198.1 percent year on year.

The optimization and adjustment of local real estate policies in China has improved market expectations, and key projects including affordable housing and urban village renovation have driven the recovery of the furniture sector, the ministry said.