European Laminate Exports to U.S. Plunge in 2007

Hannover, Germany, January 21, 2008--Global sales of “made in Europe” quality laminate floorings are on the increase, with slight growth in Western Europe and major gains in Eastern Europe, to offset sliding sales in the U.S.

Worldwide in 2007, the 19 member companies of the European Producers of Laminate Flooring sold 496 million square meters of laminate flooring produced in Europe, up from 468 million the previous year.

The overall world market share held by EPLF members is estimated by the association to be around 55 percent.

In 2007, Western European markets as well as Eastern European markets were able grow, although Western Europe grew at a slower pace.

In North America, the EPLF continues to record a downturn in sales of  “made in Europe” laminate flooring. A year-on-year comparison shows a reduction in total sales from 68 million square meters in 2006 to 50 million square meters last year, for a drop of 26.5 percent. The U.S. market fell from 50 million square meters in 2006 to 32 million in 2007.

The association said that some of  the fall is due to individual EPLF member companies setting up their own production facilities in the U.S. and to the increase in Chinese exports to the U.S.