Parquet flooring sales slide

European sales of parquet flooring declined in 2008, according to the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP).
Total consumption in the EU area stands at 112m2, but compared with 2007 figures, sales fell by around 7%, mirroring the decline in the flooring industry, added the organisation. The last quarter of 2008 showed he steepest fall.
The slow down is attributed to the reduction of construction in what have been the parquet industry’s largest markets, Germany, Spain and France. The strength of the euro, declining confidence leading to low levels of investment and rising energy costs are also blamed.