The laminate flooring sector’s post-Covid recovery continues

The members of the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) association report positive business development for the second year in a row in 2021. In 2021, EPLF members' sales growth continued with an increase of 5.3 per cent compared with 2020 and a total of 483.4 million m² of flooring sold. Members had already benefited from the consumer enthusiasm for DIY and interior design in 2020, growing their business by 2.7 per cent compared with 2019. Despite the difficulties in sourcing raw materials and the disruption of the supply chains, the manufacturers have shown extraordinary resilience, according to their association, and a capacity to seize any opportunities to foster business growth.

Sales in Western Europe reached 231.5 million m² in 2021, an increase of 2.59 per cent compared with 2020. In line with previous years, Germany remains the most stable market, with 49.4 million m² sold in 2021, despite a decrease of 6.12 per cent compared with 2020. The second strongest market, France, grew by 13.30 per cent compared with 2020, with a total of 42 million m² sold in 2021. Great Britain follows in third position, despite a decrease of 5.72 per cent since 2020, with 34.6 million m² sold last year.

In Eastern Europe, Russia, the biggest market, continued to grow by 16.24 per cent compared with the previous year, and a total of 53.6 million m² of flooring sold. Poland comes second with 30 million m² sold (3.64 per cent compared with 2020). Romania follows in third place this year, with growth of 3.14 per cent compared with 2020 and 9.8 million m² of flooring sold. Meanwhile, sales in Ukraine decreased by 18.63 per cent (8.4 million m²). Georgia is the country to have experienced the biggest increase in the region, with 37.74 per cent compared with 2020.

America experienced a decrease in sales, with the US witnessing 21.46 per cent compared with 2020. Canada, on the other hand, pursued its growth, achieving an increase of 16.80 per cent and 12.8 million m² flooring sold.

Contrary to 2020, Latin America, Asia and Australia/Oceania have all seen an increase in sales in 2021, recording 61.58 per cent, 30.45 per cent and 12.78 per cent respectively. Finally, all other countries reported a decrease in sales of 22.59 per cent compared with 2020 (and 1.81 million m² of flooring sold).