European sales of parquet declined in 2008, according to the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP).
Total consumption in the EU area stands at 112m², but compared with 2007 figures, sales fell by around 7%, mirroring the decline in the flooring industry, added the organisation. The last quarter of 2008 showed the steepest fall.
The slowdown is attributed to the reduction of construction in what have been the parquet industry’s largest markets, Germany, Spain and France. The strength of the euro, declining confidence leading to low levels of investment, and rising energy costs are also blamed.
“It is now time to close ranks and exchange ideas about what this business can do to avoid the downside of the economic cycle,” said FEP chairman, Dieter Betz. The speed at which better times return depends on “creativity, innovation and the true entrepreneurial spirit of all of us”, he said.
