Laminate flooring markets consolidate EPLF member companies sold 468 million m²

The economic crisis has been weathered; the international laminate flooring markets are consolidating. The detectable upward trend of the previous year has been solidified. Even though a slight decline was recorded on the global sales market, 2011 remains one of the best years in the history of EPLF.

In 2011, the 22 ordinary member companies of EPLF – producers of laminate floors – were able to achieve global sales of 468 million m² of laminate flooring produced in Europe (previous year: 487 million m²). This marks a 4 % drop in the global sales of EPLF member companies.

The Western European core markets of the European laminate flooring industry have shown an overall stable performance in 2011. A slight decrease of 1 % could be recorded, which, however, barely affects the bigger picture. In absolute figures, sales have dropped from 302 million m² in 2010 to 299 million m² in 2011.

Germany remains the largest single European market, with sales of 80 million m² (previous year: 83 million m²). The country is at the helm of the ranking of Western European markets. Turkey lies in second place with 54 million m² (54 million m² in the previous year). This positive result was caused by the Turkish EPLF member companies, as well as the positive economic growth in the country by the Bosporus. Sales in France, which takes third place, have remained stable with 41 million m² (previous year: 41 million m²). Coming in fourth, Great Britain is able to record its first plus in years with 30 million m² (previous year: 29 million m²), while the Netherlands take fifth place with 21 million m² (previous year: 21 million m²).

In 2011, the European producers of laminate flooring sold 103 million m² (previous year: 109 million m²) in Eastern Europe. This represents a decrease of 5.5 %, compared to the previous year. Poland is at the helm of the sales ranking with 26 million m² (previous year: 29 million m²). Russia is the runner-up; with 25 million sold m² (previous year: 25 million m²), it is the second largest Eastern European market. Romania lies in third place with 9 million m² (previous year: 13 million m²). While sales have decreased in Romania, Ukraine has fought its way up to fourth place with 8 Million m² (previous year: 6 million m²). Hungary remains in fifth place with 6 Million m² (previous year: 6 million m²).

In 2011, a drastic decline on the North American market could be observed: Sales decreased from annual sales figures of 41 million m² in 2010 to 27 million m². As expected, the US market accounts for the lion’s share. In 2010, sales figures of 24 million m² were recorded here, but only 13 million m² in 2011. This is caused by the difficult economic situation in the USA. However, there has also been a decrease on the Canadian market with 13 million m², compared to with 17 Million m² in the previous year.

In Asia, European manufacturers sold roughly 11 million m², which marks a slight increase in sales. This can be attributed to markets, such as Israel and Iran. The Chinese market also records a slight growth, due to exports of the European producers in the high-quality segment.

South America remains stable at 16 million m² (previous year: 16 million m²). Interestingly, sales are largely distributed to two markets: the Chilean and the Mexican market. However, the Argentinian market is also performing well.

Appenix: Sales graphs 2011