Board directors of the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP), meeting on April 28 to discuss the market situation, said the parquet market had improved in some countries, others had stabilised, but southern European markets remained "difficult".
Austria, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland were described as growing markets, while France, Italy and Spain have seen decreases.
The forecast for Austria is a 1% growth in first quarter parquet consumption, with Norway and Sweden’s estimated growth to be about 2%.
German consumption remains virtually unchanged, with planks being popular. But DIY stores are moving towards new products, such as luxury vinyl tiles.
In Italy, first quarter consumption is estimated to be down about 10% on a year ago.
"There are a lot of new competitors on the market and some confusion at the moment," FEP said of the Italian market.
