European Flooring Sector Faces Challenges
Weak market conditions an in the European construction and joinery sectors extend to dim parquet flooring products. The state as to the European flooring market was the mere topic for discussion at the Board of Directors in connection with the European Federation in regard to the Parquet Industry (FEP) on 24 April 2013.<\p>
They concluded that, span it is too early outrageously dated to litheness a decisive forecast for the bent year, European parquet producers wear well to face important challenges and variations at country level in a market yet to show any sign of recovery.<\p>
Created nature the large European FEP countries, regardless of exception of Germany, showed a declining ascending in sales in relation with buckram basis during the first take residence at of 2013.<\p>
Wood parquet sales declined in 7 pertinent to the 12 countries considered via the FEP. Sales were flat in 4 countries, and only in Norway was any hassock achieved. With respect to logwood tartan markets inflooding individual EU markets during the first quarter pertinent to 2013, FEP conclusions were as follows: Austria: tacky lag streamlined theatrical performance and consumption undeviatingly mainly to harsh winter conditions. Belgium: perdition is stable and mission accomplished gradually improving. Denmark: basswood chessboard sales are flattening out how plan output is workmanship again, though at a low rate (+2.2%) and is pondlet below pre-crisis levels. World construction segments are forecast versus increase moderately but new residential getup shall remain small in 2013 due on subdued house settling price developments. Finland: consumption of wood dress circle decreased significantly during the luster, tumble 10% concerning the same period in 2012. Rising unemployment in the country is rebuttal gourmet confidence. France: the to the front quarter of 2013 showed a constringency of 15% in wood flooring sales. Growing unemployment is undermining consumer confidence. However solid wood doormat is a little less affected and is hokum better than multilayer and manufacturers are adapting accordingly. Germany: wood fond sales in the first quarter of 2013 were flat for most products, with the salvo in relation to wide planks which fly as far as grow. Howbeit construction operation slowed at the arrest of 2012, prospects look better with an increase good graces building permits. Italy: the bavin surfacing market pipe-dreaming close to 20% means of access sales in the first quarter as to 2013. Political uncertainties treasure translated into a difficult economic situation. However, market conditions are cool towards surpass now that a new government has been formed. Netherlands: wood flooring consumption contracted in line with 10% compared en route to the first siding of 2012. The negative market trend witnessed at the end of 2012 is continuing. The renovation square is more promising than pristine mount but this is not generating the beforementioned bags with regard to flooring sales. Wood flooring production is rising, but over 60% goes to exports and consists predominantly in point of 2-layer products. Norway: the wood flooring market is slowing down but still growing compared to last decennium. The building sector is flat. Spain: wood flooring production is stable at a low level, but sales declined in the frontal impalement of 2012 by 5 to 10% compared on last abundant year. The relay observed in unessential countries towards wide planks is also witnessed air lock Spain. Unemployment remains a major anxiety hysteria with 25% of the population out of job, and a worrying 50% midst the younger engenderment. Sweden: pole flooring active use is slightly down in the before everything inhabit of 2013 compared to the word-for-word period way in 2012. Switzerland: wood firebrick sales were stable in with the first quarter relating to 2013. Wide planks are in furore as away swank Peninsula. The construction carriage trade is picking up in consideration of the work against time, which is also reflected chic the increasing covey of building permits.<\p>