Compared to the same period last year, the preliminary results for the 1H indicate a continuation of the slightly positive trends for parquet consumption showing a stable development or even a slight growth. With the exception of Germany, Norway and Switzerland where sales declines were reported. Still, the situation on the German and Norwegian markets is already looking up. Furthermore, Eastern Europe is currently displaying encouraging tendencies.
Despite growing competition by the furniture sector, wood is still available even though costs are increasing and small-sized lamellas are scarce. Due to climatic conditions, oak is getting increasingly rustic and the finer species show first flaws.
The FEP board put an emphasis on the potential threat to the EU as a result of the current "custom trade war" between the United States and China. In this context, the pressure concerning imports of foreign products on the European markets could increase.
In Austria, Finland, France, Italy, Poland and Sweden, a positive trend was registered for the parquet consumption in the 1H. In Finland, general economic conditions are responsible for the slight increase. The retail sector, however, showed a less positive picture. The increase in Italian parquet sales - with the exception of the Milan region - was slightly dampened by local parliamentary elections, according to the FEP. The recovery is expected by the end of the year.
Parquet sales in Belgium, Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands remained stable compared to the same period last year. In contrast, sales in Norway showed a sharp decline in the first six months. By now, however, the situation has improved. Germany and Switzerland saw declines as well.
