Page 10 - FDMAsia NovDec 2024

8 MARKET BEATS NOV/DEC 2024 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

Optimism Amid Uncertainties Q1-3 2024 compared to the same period last year, when

For Wood Flooring Sector Croatian parquet consumption was very low. Nevertheless,
the boom driven by the construction industry is not expected
European parquet consumption continues to fall to continue in 2025.

European parquet consumption continued to decline in the For France, during the first three quarters of 2024, French
first three quarters of 2024, albeit at a slower pace, reflecting parquet consumption fell by 13 to 15 percent compared to
still subdued construction activity and increasing pressure the same period last year. The level of new construction is
from Chinese imports, the board of the European Parquet still low. Trends evolve like a rollercoaster every month.
Federation (FEP) recently noted. Wood is available, but wet weather conditions make
With consumer purchasing power affected, cheaper harvesting difficult. High-quality oak is still expensive due
alternatives are now being considered more frequently. However, to competition with the barrel industry, among other things.
these could soon face higher tariffs. For Germany, there is hope that the German market will
Parquet markets fell in almost all FEP countries during the have bottomed out in Q3 2024. Parquet consumption has

three first quarters 2024 compared to the same period last year, fallen by 5-10 percent in Q1-3 2024 compared to Q1-3 2023.
echoing the still subdued activity in the construction sector. No major development is expected for 2025, as the number
For Austria, after a weak third quarter of 2024, Austria of new builds will be only half of what was expected. Experts
recorded a five percent decline in its parquet consumption do not see a recovery before the end of 2025 or even the
compared to the same period last year. Forecasts for 2025 are end of 2026.
not positive, partly due to the low number of new constructions. For Italian parquet consumption, a decline of 5-10 percent
Raw material costs are stable, but the quality of oak from is observed in the first three quarters of 2024. Inflation is lower,

Croatia is low due to long storage in wet forests after storms. but purchasing power has been lost and cheaper flooring
For Croatia, Croatia reports a three percent increase for alternatives are being considered. The market fluctuates from

PICRYL