Page 7 - Parquet International January 2014

Titolo: European parquet market still
awaiting stabilisation
After a year in which the overall consumption figures of the European parquet Industry contracted
by 5.88%, the first forecasts for 2013 seem
to follow a similar trend. Indeed FEP’s
(European Federation of the Parquet Industry) preliminary forecast for the year which just ended indicates a similar scenario of a further contraction in the order of 5%. This percentage is based on best estimates received from member country representatives at the recent Board meeting held at the DOMOTEX fair
in Hannover. It should be seen as a first prognosis subject to variations, in anticipation of the complete data to be
communicated
at FEP’s annual General Assembly
at the beginning
of June in Malaga. As was witnessed
in the past few years, the results show some variation from country to country and even from quarter to quarter. However, the overall picture does not seem as polarized as it once was. Indeed, countries which were performing rather well and driving the markets upwards also seem to lose momentum. From a regional perspective, it can be stated that markets in the south of the EU (e.g. Spain, Italy, and France) still face serious difficulties, with losses which could reach double digits. In the north,
the situation is somewhat better
but developments are still slightly negative or, in the best case, stable
(e.g. in Sweden). Central Europe remains the best performing region, where Switzerland confirms its status
of steady “parquet country” with an expected growth
of 6%. Both Austria and Germany should however also see
a consumption evolution for 2013 just below zero.
FEP’s 58th General Assembly
and 39th Parquet Congress
will be held on 5 & 6 June
As announced at last year’s meeting
in Brussels, FEP’s 58th General Assembly and 39th Parquet Congress will be held on 5 & 6 June in Malaga, Spain. The Spanish member federation and companies as well as FEP
look forward to welcoming all its members, international guests, press representatives and colleagues at this unique annual gathering of our industry.
Source: http://www.parquet.net/