The member companies of the Association of the German Flooring Industry (vdp) can look to the future with renewed optimism. A recent survey indicates that sales and revenue in the first half of 2024 only saw a slight decline. Lower prices and improved consumer sentiment are expected to create growth opportunities. The association anticipates that the importance of climate-friendly parquet flooring will continue to rise, especially in the renovation sector.
vdp President Michael Schmid.
According to the vdp's internal survey, parquet sales in Germany dropped by about 4% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, totalling approximately 2.5 million square metres. Revenue decreased by around 8%, amounting to roughly €91 million. All segments reported a decline in sales, with three-layer parquet falling by 3.3% to 1.3 million square metres, and two-layer parquet decreasing by 5.9% to 690,000 square meters. Solid parquet saw a minor decline of 1.4%, totalling 140,000 square metres, while mosaic parquet dropped by 7.4% to 320,000 square metres.
vdp President Michael Schmid comments, 'We are moving into calmer waters. The turbulent times of the past few years, marked by double-digit declines and significant price fluctuations, are behind us.'
He emphasises the renewed normalcy in parquet pricing and highlighted the ongoing high demand for building renovations. As a climate-friendly building material, parquet is expected to gain even more significance. Schmid states that parquet not only provides quality but also binds carbon for many years, making it a sustainable choice.
The vdp is committed to promoting the environmental benefits of wood and intends to focus on the strengths of domestic parquet in climate protection and indoor air quality.
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