European parquet consumption has started to decline during the first semester 2022, reflecting the ambient climate of uncertainties.<\/p>\n
The Board of Directors of the European Parquet Federation, FEP, met physically early October 2022 in FEP premises, Brussels, and discussed amongst others the parquet situation on the European markets.<\/p>\n
Generally speaking, the very beginning of the year 2022 was still positive but parquet consumption quickly started to decline in most of the FEP countries. The decreases were especially significant in France and Germany, while Sweden and Switzerland were still experiencing relatively good conditions during the first part of the year.<\/p>\n
In the given context, with staggering energy bills and inflation, consumers\u2019 confidence is very low, meaning less spendings which are focused on essential needs. If consumers are still investing in buildings, it is more for insulation than interior design. Additionally, renovation works began during the Covid time are reaching an end.<\/p>\n
All in all, parquet markets are down in most of the FEP countries for the first semester 2022 compared to the same period last year. Those countries which were still experiencing relatively good conditions, are now facing a slowing down of consumption, and are pessimistic for the months and year ahead.<\/p>\n
Availability and\/or affordability of raw material wood are still critical.<\/p>\n
A brief per country recap is provided in the table below.<\/p>\n
Market overview for Q2\/2021 \u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n European parquet consumption has started to decline during the first semester 2022, reflecting the ambient climate of uncertainties. The Board of Directors of the European Parquet Federation, FEP, met physically early October 2022 in FEP premises, Brussels, and discussed amongst … Continue reading
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\n Austria<\/strong><\/td>\n Austrian consumption of parquet showed a mixed situation during the first semester 2022, with a slightly declining 1st quarter and an overheated 2nd one. Now the situation is deteriorating. Investments in housing are down. Showrooms are empty. Energy costs are staggering. Working shifts will be consequently reduced and uncertainties are present regarding the future.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Benelux\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n The Netherlands report a decline of parquet consumption in volume of 18% compared to 2021 and an inflation rate of 17%. Energy costs have been multiplied by 3 or 4. The situation for raw material is stable. Belgium is doing a bit better.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n
\n Fran\u021ba<\/strong><\/td>\n The French parquet market has started to drop during the 2nd quarter (-20%). And this situation will continue as visits of shops are down by 40%. Massive parquet is the most impacted as the value of wood has strongly increased since April. Scarcity of wood remains an issue and could lead to reduction of production and unemployment.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Germania<\/strong><\/td>\n The German parquet market was down by 7% during the 1 st quarter 2022 and by 12% during the 2 nd quarter, giving a decline of 10 to 15% for the 1st semester. Pessimism is present for the rest of the year with an increasing rate of building permit cancellations, hesitation to invest, rising interest rate, skyrocketing energy bills... Consumers are focusing on essential needs and renovation works, started during the covid period, have already been completed. Supply of raw materials is still critical.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Italy<\/strong><\/td>\n After a good start of the year with an increase of the Italian parquet consumption by 13% compared to 2021, unfortunately, in June, the situation began to deteriorate and this deterioration has accelerated in July. Consumption is now 5 to 6% less than in 2021 but could reach -10% at the end of the year. The performance of the beginning of the year was supported by the significant tax reductions on construction\/renovation<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Nordic cluster<\/strong><\/td>\n The first semester 2022 was good but the Nordic cluster parquet consumption is now slowing down. While the Norwegian parquet market is flat, the Finnish one is slightly declining and the Danish one is more significantly decreasing. Installation costs are increasing, reflecting the general inflation rise.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Spain<\/strong><\/td>\n The Spanish consumption of parquet was still increasing by 3% during the first part of the current year but demand is now declining fast. Construction of new buildings is decreasing but renovation is still supporting the market. However, inflation and rise of savings are adding to other uncertainties for the future.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Sweden<\/strong><\/td>\n While the Swedish parquet market is still stable to slightly declining this year (-2 to -5%), it will significantly decrease next year due to a dramatic drop in new building permits (-30%). In addition, renovation works initiated during the covid period are reaching an end, consumers have dedicated money for travelling and now focus on insulation works instead of interior design. DIY e-trade is also remarkably down. Due to currency, imports are more expensive.<\/td>\n \n \u2193<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n Switzerland<\/strong><\/td>\n The situation is a bit different in Switzerland where inflation is limited to 3% thanks to a strong currency. The Swiss parquet consumption has increased by 12% during the 1st semester 2022 compared to 2021. It is now slowing down but still expected to reach 8 to 10% at the end of the year. Nevertheless, building permits are declining, especially for multifamily houses. White oak is available but at high costs. Energy costs are staggering. The Swiss market is still strong but future trends are negative.<\/td>\n \n \u2191<\/h2>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"