In general, the situation on the European parquet markets remains difficult but some slightly positive signs suggest that demand will at least stabilize in the coming months. There are, however, differences from country to country, as the European Parquet Federation (FEP) informs.
In Austria, parquet consumption increased by 3% year on year in the first quarter of 2024. However, due to the decline in new construction activity, the situation is expected to deteriorate at the end of this year and in 2025.
In France, parquet consumption of multi-layer parquet decreased by 15% in 2023 and that of solid parquet by 26 to 27%. Here, the situation should slowly stabilize.
In 2023, the German parquet market shrank by 14% year on year. It seems that it has reached the bottom for good and that slight growth might be recorded at the end of 2024.
In Italy, parquet consumption in January 2024 was down by 27% compared to December 2023 and by 21% compared to January 2023. As for the first quarter, a year-on-year decrease of 20% is expected.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Scandinavian parquet consumption decreased by 30% compared to 2022. In the first quarter of 2024, stagnation is expected. While the Norwegian and Swedish parquet markets are stable, this situation is more difficult in Finland and Denmark.
In Switzerland, there was a year-on-year decline of 10 to 15% in the fourth quarter of 2023. As for 2024, the FEP expects the situation to be stable.
