European parquet flooring production rose by about 5% in 2004, according to the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP).
FEP says the increase, recorded in its preliminary 2004 markets survey, confirms the growth tendency observed in 2003, with the positive trend expected to continue throughout this year.
The 5% growth translates to parquet sales of about 88.5 million m3 in the traditional FEP countries. Reliable figures are not available for the entire FEP community but with total consumption in all EU and European Fair Trade Association countries in 2003 estimated at about 95 million m3, FEP believes the 100 million m3 hurdle is in sight.
But producers of mosiac and solid parquet have been experiencing difficult times due to competitition from outside the EU, shifts in consumer products preferences and demand, and the strong euro compared to the US dollar.
Multilayer parquet production is reportedly growing, with additional capacities being announced. FEP believes the offering of glue-free installation systems has helped consumption but producers are still facing strong competition.
Dieter Betz, FEP chairman, is calling for a more focused and united approach within the sector to further develop the European parquet market. FEP will co-operate with member companies in planning joint actions.
