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MARKET BEATS 9
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month to month. Flickr
Renovations in the hospitality sector are improving,
especially in Rome and Milan, with large projects. On the
other hand, final consumers and retailers are not doing well.

Raw materials remain expensive.
For Netherlands, the Dutch market has declined by 5-10
percent compared to the period Q1-3 2023, which was already
characterised by low parquet consumption. Renovations are
taking place, but this is not reflected in demand. third expect sales to stay the same in 2025 versus 2024.
In Norway, renovation is still the driver, while in Sweden Expectations for 2024 were more muted. The election year
both renovation and new construction are stalling. The latter is at the top of many members’ minds, and some respondents
have, however, probably bottomed out and are starting to say they are seeing a slight softening in the market.
rise slightly (+5% expected in 2025). The latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA)

In Denmark, investment is being made in housing and from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University,
the market is stable. released in July 2024, forecasted annual expenditures for
Finland is the most pessimistic market, where households improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes to
are not spending their money. Renovation is going a little better decrease this year and into the first quarter of 2025—but at
and is recovering from a very low level, than new construction, a slower rate than initially forecast.
where company closures are being observed. Remodeling spending is anticipated to tick up through
The Nordic parquet market should stagnate or rise slightly mid-year 2025.

in 2025. There are no problems with raw materials. Energy In 2023, there’s cooling in single-family home building
costs have generally fallen, inflation is contained, interest due to higher interest rates and construction costs. In June
rates are falling. 2024, privately owned housing starts were 4.4 percent below
In Spain, demand was stable in Q1-3 2024. The lack of the June 2023 rate.
buildings is affecting prices and a new law protects residents A limited amount of existing inventory and pent-up demand
from interference by owners. Consequently, investment in have fuelled single-family construction, according to the National
buildings is low. High energy costs and inflation are reducing Association of Home Builders.
purchasing power and market opportunities. Conversely, multi-family construction shows signs of slowing
The Swiss parquet market was stagnant in the first three from last year’s highs; multifamily starts were down sharply

quarters of 2024. It should also be stable in 2025. The situation in June. Low inventory of existing homes will continue to
with wood from Croatia and the effects of rising minimum encourage new construction at a slower pace.
wages are already having an impact on the sector. Nearly 66 percent of NWFA members expect increased
demand for cleaner, more natural wood colours in 2025. White
US hardwood flooring industry optimistic next year oak remains a dominant selection.
The wood flooring industry is optimistic for growth in 2025, “White oak has been in demand for the last few years
with more than 60 percent of respondents in annual National and doesn’t look to be slowing down. People want white oak

Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) Industry Outlook survey with a natural finish,” said Thomas Buxton, sales manager at
expecting sales to increase, reports floordaily.net. About a one flooring company.