Imports of flooring products have continued to rise, with a notable increase in vinyl flooring, despite a persistent decline in carpet imports. According to figures from HMRC data, imports across all flooring categories rose by 2.6 percent to £133.3 million in November 2024, marking a third consecutive year-on-year rise.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Vinyl flooring imports saw a substantial increase of 18 percent, reaching £42.1 million, which helped to offset the ongoing weakness in the carpet segment. This boost in vinyl imports highlights the growing demand for smooth flooring options like vinyl and wood, as buyers continue to shift their preferences away from traditional carpet options.
Carpet imports, however, have been in decline for six consecutive months. In November 2024, carpet imports fell by 4.9 percent to £75.8 million, largely due to a significant 13 percent drop in imports from Belgium. As a result, carpets, once the leading flooring category, have fallen to third place, behind both the Netherlands (-5.9 percent) and Turkey (-0.9 percent). Notably, imports from China saw a substantial rise of 45 percent, reaching £6.5 million for the month.
Year-to-date figures for carpet imports from January to November 2024 show a decline of 7.2 percent, reinforcing the ongoing trend. In contrast, China was also a key driver of growth in vinyl flooring imports, accounting for nearly half of the total, with imports from the country increasing by more than a third compared to November 2023.
In addition to vinyl, imports of parquet wood flooring rose by 7.3 percent, reaching £14.7 million, with China contributing significantly to this growth, up by 49 percent. The figures suggest that global demand for smooth flooring continues to outpace traditional carpet sales, driven by a preference for modern and durable options.
The rising imports of vinyl and wood flooring reflect broader shifts in consumer preferences and market dynamics, with vinyl emerging as a leading flooring choice in the current market landscape.
Source: www.thefurnishingreport.com